Hello from Israel/Jerusalem!

As some of you may know, I planned to go to Israel Dec 21-27 while in the Middle east. Since I have never visited the Holy Land, I thought this was a great opportunity! My son, Greg, and Phil Sandilands have joined me for a busy, but great week.

We took two full days to tour and walk through much of Jerusalem, both the old city and other sights. On Sabbath afternoon, we toured the Israel Museum. This site is great, as it lays out a scaled-model of the 2nd Temple period of Jerusalem. In addition, the best display and historical account of the Dead Sea Scrolls are also at the Israel Museum. Later that day, we took a Sabbath-day's journey and walked to the Garden of Getsthemmeni and to the top of the Mount of Olives. A spectacular sight of the Old City and temple mount, and inspiring for other reasons, too!

Since then, we have toured the Temple Mount, the Church of the Holy Seplucher (Catholic's idea of where Christ buried...), the Jerusalem Archaeological Park, the Old City of David, the Rockefeller Museum, and the Garden Tomb. We drove down to the Negev desert on Monday and climbed and visited the Herodian fortress of Masada...overlooking the Dead Sea. Amazing and humbling, to say the least.

We spent the last two days in Galilee (on the lake) visiting Magdela, Capernaum, Bethsaida, Golan heights, Beth--Shea, Mr. Tabor, Nazareth, Megiddo, and Haifa. This trip has been worth every moment and dime spent for many reasons. I have loved making it with my son, but regret not having Tanya and Becky (and Christine/Jer) along. Maybe another time!

I look forward to seeing my lovely wife on Friday, and giving Becky and mother a hug. See all (or some!) of you soon!

Sincerely,

D. Horchak

In Jordan with Matt and Mary Ann Bates

Marhaba from Amman!

On Tuesday night (no...Weds morning!) I arrived in Amman, Jordan after a 5 hour delay in my connecting flight from Kenya/UK. Matthew and Mary Ann Bates were patiently (thankfully!) waiting for me at the Queen Alia Int'l Airport in Amman at 1:30 am! By the time we took a taxi back to their apartment in Amman and got to bed, it was between 2:30 and 3am.

The next day, Matt and Mary Ann took me on a tour of a few sites in Amman. To begin with, we stopped by the Amman Baccalaureate School (where they teach) , then we visited the King Abdullah I Mosque, and the Citadel in city center. We also visited the old Roman amphitheatre near the Citadel and stopped for a cup of strong Jordanian coffee (move over-- Starbucks!). While in the square, I ran after a young man that was wearing jacket i recognized! When catching up to him, he spoke no english...but was wearing an old "Y.O.U." letterjacket we used to have in the Church almost 2o years ago! Go figure.

Today, we took a 12-leg bus/van/hitchhike trip to Jerash and Pella in northern Jordan. A great trip visiting the 1st century ruins of the ancient Roman Decopolis city of Jerash...and also the old city of Pella (near the Jordan river). Pella is the site where many members of the Church of God were alleged to have fled during Vespasian's seige of Jerusalem in 69-70 AD. While at the Pella ruins, a group of 6 young teen/adult boys invited us to their Jordanian "cookout" in the grove next to the ruins. They had freshly butchered chicken, lamb, and kebabs ready to cook and wanted us to join them. We did, and had wonderful (if not short) visit with them--despite the language barrier! All in all, a great day. Matt and Mary Ann were great hosts for some true "local touring" of Jordan. Between traveling with the locals, eating shwarma and local kebobs...we had a wonderfully educational and memorable experience!

I want to thank both Matt and Mary Ann for their dedication, example, and fortitude in their teaching responsibilities at the ABS, and the effort to keep the vision before them of their part in the work of the Church! Being here in Amman as a newly-married couple with little contact with Church members is a challenge...but one that they have done very well. Updated blogs from them will be posted occasionally at the http://www.ucgyouthcorps.org/ website in the weeks and months ahead.

After meeting with an official of the Amman Baccalaureate School (ABS) tomorrow about planning for our service project for United Youth Corps next summer, I will be traveling to Israel for the Sabbath and much of next week. Have a wonderful Sabbath!

~Doug Horchak

Shabat shalom from Elbergon~

Today, our group had a wonderful night’s rest at the Lake Nakuru Lodge, a good breakfast (with view of a male lion as we ate!)—and headed off for the hour and half ride to Elbergon. There we met deacon David Gichuru at the post office, then rode with he and his wife/Alice in our van about 7 miles down a rough dirt/rock road. We ended up on small group of homes and village where one of the members—Jeffrey—lived. We arrived about 12noon, and had services with about 34 other members and their children under a shade tree with a tarp draped over where many of us sat. A most pleasant setting. They went out of their way to have chairs with cloths on them for all of us (and some of them) to sit on.
During Services—I was asked to present the card from the Sherman congregation to the Elbergon Church (which I did). I explained that “howdy” was Texan for their Swahili word for hello—“Jambo”. They enjoyed that and the greetings and well-wishes from the brethren very, very much. Mr. Waddle gave an excellent message on the subject of “Forgiveness”. After services we ate a great meal of potato, chicken, banana, and oranges—which all of the brethren joined in. We fellowshipped for another hour, as Jeffrey Goiy gave us a “tour” of his family’s home/compound. His home was a wood and mud building with tin roof. About 10 x 15 in size, with a mud (hard, of course!) floor. His brother’s home somewhat larger with three rooms. The Kitchen was similar to his home, with two fire pits for cooking. They also had two cows, chickens, and a rooster (that crowed several times halfway through the sermon)! It was a wonderful and inspiring day with the brethren in that part of the Country.
On our way home to Lake Nakuru late that afternoon, we stopped along the road inside the National park to view a lioness and her two cubs in the grass about 30 yards off the way. A great sight indeed as the sun was setting on the Sabbath in the high Rift Valley of southern Kenya. As we drove the last 4 miles to our lodging, all 5 of the United Youth Corps volunteers admitted this had been a most memorable and inspiring Sabbath in so very many ways. Tomorrow we hope to see more wild game before leaving and heading back to the capital city of Nairobi. We plan to meet with on of the local deacons and his wife, and stay in the city Sunday evening. Monday will be a day for laundry, rest, and visiting some of the markets of Nairobi prior to all 5 of the United Youth Corps participants (Matt, Beth, Jeremy, Jennifer, and Becky) and myself leaving Kenya on Monday evening. As I write this, Mr. Tim Waddle is having a post Sabbath talk with the volunteers about their experience, lessons-learned, and the value it has brought to their lives. It has been a very successful Youth Corps trip and project that I feel God has richly blessed with wonderful weather, safety, and great experiences for all involved!
The Youth Corps young adults will be arriving home Tuesday evening. I will be forwarding on to Amman, Jordan the same day and hope to send a further update or two while in the middle east.

~Doug Horchak

Greetings from Kenya!

The final day of camp in Kenya began like the previous days: Fisheagles screeching, campers stirring, a chill in the air, kitchen crew banging pots and starting breakfast, but for the Youth Corps there was a difference. We left camp at 7:00 AM for an early morning boat ride on Lake Navasha. Lake Navasha is world renown for bird watching and of course for hippos. We were able to see variety of wildlife and a pod of hippopotamus’. It was a great start to the last day of camp.

Our theme for Christian Living classes for camp this year was Godly Relationships. Between Mr. Horchak and me we covered Godly relationships with friends, God, parents, Church and finally on the last day the class focused on Godly relationships with the world. Each night around the camp fire we had one of the Youth Corp participants, Matthew Kirilis, review the morning class by asking questions concerning the topic covered. This went very well as those who answered correctly were rewarded with a candy bar.

The activities went well on the last day with the highlight being a Team Building contest to see which dorms could complete the “spider web” in the quickest amount of time. The campers greatly enjoyed the friendly competition and the lessons learned about team work and cooperation.

On the final afternoon we canceled classes so that the entire camp could take a hike to an area of the lake where locals go to spend afternoons. This was something anticipated by the Kenyan youth who enjoy time playing games like hide n seek, watching hippos, and lying in the grass with friends.

We have had another successful camp in Kenya. The campers have had fun while learning more about God and God’s way of life, the staff devoted much time and effort, and the Youth Corp participants have all worked hard and served well. All that is left is to tear down camp in the morning, say our good byes, go our ways, and wait for next year. (Val…love you and the family!!...tim).

~Tim Waddle

Midway Through Kenya Camp

Jambo Sana from Kenya UYCamp—

The last two days of activities have gone well. We have had rain each day (we’re hoping that today we can get by without any further rain!). Yet, each morning we have had some nice sunny weather.

The Kenyan teens are a bit timid to use their English skills when we first arrived, however as we get to know each other—the exchange of greetings and talking has increased dramatically! Each morning, about 5am—6-7 ladies (wives and widows) arise to begin the process of preparing to cook for about 100 people. I can hear the light sound of pots and pans clashing about that time as the ladies ready for another day. Each morning (and prior to each meal, for that matter) one or two dorms of teens have KP duty! Unlike teens from the west, these teens do about everything to help the ladies with cooking—from the slaughter and plucking of chickens (no joke!)—to the making of butter and bread sandwiches and millet porridge for the breakfast. This happens for every meal—and truly works like a well-oiled machine!

Yesterday during the Bible class I was teaching under the acacia trees near the “kitchen” tent—several Colobus monkeys were playing. The largest of the monkeys decided to steal a huge carrot from the preparation bowl the ladies were using to prepare the evening meal! Then, decided to run over and plop himself down to each is booty about 10 feet from me. What a sight. It offered a good laugh for all of us.

Our 5 United Youth Corps participants are busy with teaching activities of various kinds: Matt Kerilies is over Ultimate Frisbee and assists with Cycling, Jennifer Pennington assists with Volleyball and Hygiene, Beth Isaac teaching Hygiene and Campus Improvement, Becky Horchak taught swimming and Journalism/Newsletter, Jeremy Hongerloot is over Cycling. All of the participants have also helped with food preparation when the time allows and have remained very involved…which is great.

Well, that’s about it for now. Two more day of camp, and then off to Lake Nakuru and the Elbergon for services on the Sabbath. Next blog I’ll try to get Mr. Tim Waddle (Associate pastor for Kenya and UYCorps Kenya project mgr this year) to write a few words. Keep the Faith and spread it!

~Doug Horchak

Hippo-Hello from Lake Naivasha!

We arrived safely a very special location in the Great Rift Valley of southern Kenya Sunday, December 9…about 12noon—Lake Naivasha! A unique fresh-water lake on the high plains of the valley, Lake Naivasha is about 8 miles across, and is home to various birds (fish eagles and storks!), fish, and of course—the hippopotamus. Our camp is on the shoreline being protected from the hippo population by small barb-wire and electric fence at the shoreline.

The United Youth Corps participants spent the afternoon setting up camp, pitching 32 tents, and getting the site organized for arrival of 90 campers and more staff to arrive later that day. They did, indeed arrive (by bus and public transport)—but to a rain storm that carried on for almost 3 hours! Mr. Tim Waddle worked with program director Antonio Ndung’u to get all campers to their tents to avoid the worst of the rain. Due to inclement weather, we were unable to eat dinner until about 8pm that evening—when, thankfully, the rain stopped. After a wonderful meal of rice, peas, beef and carrots—we were all able to settle in for the night. It was a cool night, damp from the rain, and a few of the campers (and our Youth Corps staff!) were a bit chilly. Today, one of the Kenyan staff took a taxi into the town of Naivasha to purchase blankets and bedding for those with further needs.

This morning (Monday, December 10), I woke up before sunrise (as many of the campers and staff were already awake—beginning the preparations for breakfast). Youth Corps volunteer and I (Matthew Kireilis) took a walk at sunrise to the lake shore and viewing stand. The sunrise was beautiful, and we were treated by the arrival of a huge hippo coming out of the lake just to “pose” (thankfully beneath the stand) for us to take a picture! He then lumbered back into the lake through the Lilly pads and submerged once again. Not your typical early morning site!

We started the day with Mr. Waddle giving the orientation message to the entire camp and I followed up with a Christian-living discussion on the subject of “Making Friends at Camp”. The first day of activities got off to a great start at 10am. We’re looking forward to warm/dry weather for much of the week—but we’ll see what God provides for us! Overall, things have gotten off to a great start—and Matt, Jennifer, Becky, Jennifer, and Jeremy are setting a good example of involvement and service. (PS: --Love you, Tanya!...)
~Doug Horchak

In Kenya!

Jambo from Kenya!

Our entire United Youth Corps group—Mr. Tim Waddle, Beth Isaac, Jeremy Hongerloot, Jennifer Pennington, Becky Horchak, Matt Kirielis, and myself arrived safely in Nairobi, Friday morning, Dec 7^th (finally!). After both groups missing our connection in London to Kenya, we had to spend all day Thursday suffering at the Heathrow Airport Hilton hotel awaiting a later flight that evening. I say “suffering” as we were given complimentary rooms and wonderful buffet lunch at the Hilton by British Airways due to missing our flight connections earlier that day. This gave our group a chance to get some needed rest, a shower, and wonderful gourmet buffet lunch!

That said, we were happy to finally arrive at our initial destination in Nairobi. We were greeted by two of the deacons in the Kenya churches—Mr. Antonio Ndung’u\\, and Mr. David Gichuru. After a bit of lunch, the UYCorps group split up between the Ndungu and Gichuru homes to spend two evenings, meals, and the Sabbath with their families. At the Gichuru’s, we were able to rekindle friendships with the family (including wife Alice, and adult children—Rahab and Paul!). We finished a wonderful Sabbath meal and fellowship, and will all get some very much needed rest—as this will be the first time we’ve slept on a bed in 3 days! We look forward to the Sabbath tomorrow with the Nairobi congregation and driving to Lake Naivasha on Sunday to set up for the 75 campers that will arrive that afternoon! ~ Doug Horchak

Upcoming Trip--

On December 5th, I begin the 3 1/2 week trek to East Africa and the Middle East. Having the privilege of working with Tim Waddle (assoc. pastor for Kenya) and 5 UCG young adults at the youth camp in Kenya is a wonderful blessing!

Here's the schedule:

Dec 5--depart from DFW for Nairobi, Kenya

Dec 7/8--In Nairobi staying with members--Sabbath Services in Nairobi

Dec 9--Travel to Lake Naivasha to set up youth camp/tents, etc.

Dec 10-14--UCG Youth Camp an Lake Naivasha for 78 teens from Kenya and Tanzania

Dec 15-16--Sabbath Services in Nakuru, and touring wildlife park at Lake Nakuru

Dec 17--Depart Nairobi (young adults back to US!)--for Amman, Jordan.

Dec 18-21--Visit Matt/Mary Ann Bates in Amman, planning for Summer UYCorps project

Dec 22-27--Tour Israel with my son, Greg, and Phil Sandilands

Dec 28--Return to the U.S--Home Sweet Home!

I hope to update the blog either in Kenya, or upon arriving in Amman Dec 18-21. Your prayers for us all are appreciated! Doug Horchak

The Beginning

Howdy all~

In the future, I hope to post blogs on trips I happen to make serving with United Youth Corps overseas. When circumstances allow, I'll post pics and update. For now, I await my next trip in December to Kenya, Jordan, and Israel. Myself, Mr. Tim Waddle and 5 young adults from UCG plan to help staff a teen/youth camp for the Church in Kenya for 72 teens. I then to go Jordan to visit with our two volunteers at the Amman Baccalaureate School--Matt and Maryann Bates. They have been serving as student teachers at this premier high school in Amman. My next post will likely be just prior to the trip!

~Doug Horchak