In Kenya, they have lots of passion fruit. Before coming here, I had never had one before. Is this something we have in the US? Maybe I just never saw it or tried it. Anyway... it's awesome! My new obsession is passion juice. And to make it even better, I mix it with diet seven up. It's SO good! If you can get passion juice, you should try it!

Just Had To....

My mom sent me the cutest photo of two of my nieces, Piper and Grayce. It was too cute not to post. Thanks for indulging me!

January Update

Greetings from hot Kisumu!

It has been really hot here lately. It feels like Sudan! We hope you have had a great first month of 2012. This month has been fairly uneventful for us. We are waiting for schools to resume their Christian Unions and for Trinity Fellowship to give us their schedule. Once we have that, we'll be able to resume visits to various schools in the area. On February 11th, George will be going to Kakamega to attend their annual leadership meeting.

We had to go to Nairobi a couple times this month. First was to file Stacie's residency paperwork. In typical Kenyan government style, we don't really know what to expect or how long it will take to finish this process. Our initial visit to the immigration office was quick and we were told to come back in one month. The second visit to Nairobi was so George could sort out his schooling paperwork. Again, the results were not crystal clear, but at least some progress was made.

So, what's our next ministry step? We have our eyes on Korogwe, Tanzania. Lord willing, Alan, the leader of Africa Harvest of Hope, will come to Korogwe at the end of February to meet George, talk about the vision of this ministry and discuss a game plan for us moving there. We are very excited and ready to go anytime. We're just waiting for the go ahead from the leadership and we are there.

We want to send a big thank you to Rancho del Rey Church, as well as family, friends and people we don't even know who have cleaned out their houses or bought items to send to us via a container being shipped to Korogwe by Africa Harvest of Hope. We are humbled by your generosity and love for us. When the container arrives it will be like Christmas and we are so thankful for anything that is sent.

As we move into February, we would appreciate your prayers in the following areas:

1. That the logistics would be worked out for Alan to come to Korogwe and for safe travel for us as we meet him there.
2. That God would give us a vision for the work He wants us to do and for any obstacles that may prevent us from doing so would be cleared from our path.

As always, check our blog for more stories, pictures, prayer requests and donation information. We want you guys to feel like you are on this journey with us and know what life is like here.

With love from your missionaries,

George and Stacie

Breakfast for Dinner

Earlier this week, I got inspired to make breakfast for dinner. Pancakes sounded really great. Since George came back this morning, I put my plan into action tonight - pancakes, eggs, sausage and toast. Oh my gosh... it was SO good. I found a simple pancake recipe online that was delicious. I was a little worried about mixing the batter because we don't have measuring spoons (they aren't sold here) and I am a terrible estimator of quantities. Fortunately, it came out perfectly - fluffy and yummy. The eggs were good too. George did a great job at cooking the sausage. It was nice to have a taste of home and I can't wait to do it again!

Date Night

Last Saturday, George and I had a date night. Although we spend so much time together, I think this was our first designated date night. We went to our favorite chicken place. There is a street in Kisumu lined with hotels (what they call restaurants - not places to sleep) that grill chicken out front. They all serve the same thing, but you have to know which one to go to to get the best price and the best chicken. Because Kenyans generally eat really late (after 8,9 or 10:00), the place doesn't start cooking until after 7:00. By 9:00, the place is hopping. Everyone eats out front.

Around 8:00, we went to our usual place and had delicious chicken. I think George ordered 3/4 or full chicken (for about $5). Along with the chicken, they bring katchumbari (chopped onions and tomatoes) and ugali. I leave the ugali to George and hog the katchumbari.

It was a nice and fun night. I can't wait until the next one!

George on the Road

Please pray for George. He had to go to Nairobi yesterday to sort out some paperwork for his lab tech license. He should only be gone a couple days. Please pray for his safety as he travels and successful dealings with the offices he has to go to.

ICC

Yesterday was an interesting day in Kenya.

After the elections in 2007, violence broke out all over the country. Most people believed the elections results were switched after the man expected to win didn't. Riots and protests took place. As a result, certain tribes were targeted and over 1300 people were killed including 30 women and children who were torched while hiding in a church. 350,000 people were forcibly removed from their homes and many of them still live in IDP (internally displaced persons) camps.

In 2011, the ICC (International Crimes Court) proposed charging six Kenyans with crimes against humanity for the alleged role in the 2007 post election violence. When I first returned to Kenya in September, the ICC were having confirmation hearings to determine if there was enough evidence to proceed with prosecuting these men. These hearings concluded in October and the ICC had three months to deliver a verdict.

Yesterday their decision was announced. There was a lot of anticipation about results. It seemed like half the population would be upset if they were confirmed and half would be upset if they weren't. No one knew if there would be more violence after the announcement.

At 1:30pm, Kenya stood still. Everyone stopped what they were doing and went to a nearby TV or radio to hear what happened. It reminded me of when the OJ Simpson verdict was announced. Four out of the six men were confirmed – meaning the ICC judges found there was enough evidence to proceed with a trial.

Now we waited to see what the public reaction was. Fortunately, there were no problems yesterday. I think most people agreed with the ICC and feel like justice will be served. After the violence in 2007, no one wants repeat of that. The trial date for the four confirmed has not been set yet, but will probably take place later this year.

It was indeed an interesting day to be in Kenya.

Ugly Ugali

Darn, just when I thought I had ugali mastered, I messed up – big time. Ugali is a staple here. It's like Chinese food and rice. Or Mexican food and beans. I was doing so well until two nights ago. I guess I didn't cook it enough. It looked done to me, but it was not. Although I make ugali, I don't eat it (unless I am a guest at someone's house and have to). So, I didn't taste it. George was so sweet about it. He started by saying,” thanks so much for all your work today. You did really great. I just want to mention something small about the ugali. It's not cooked all the way. “ I felt really bad and apologized, but he said not to, it was still edible. It was actually really bad and I can't believe he ate any of it. I waited to see what would happen when Dave, his brother, ate dinner. Right after he sat down and tasted the ugali, he said something in Luo and I knew he said something about the ugali. I immediately said “I'm sorry... it's so bad!” He, too, said it was ok, but I knew it wasn't.

Oh well, it must have been a bad night. The next time, it would be back to my usual good ugali, right? Nope. I messed it up the next day too. I was nervous and overcompensated. I put too much ugali flour in the water and it was too thick.

Back to square one. :(

Fighting Misconceptions

As a white person (mzungu) in Kenya, daily I have to fight stereotypes. The majority of people here think all mzungus are rich and that they don't know how to cook or clean for themselves. When I buy things or take a boda boda, I have to heavily bargain to get a fair price. It can be exhausting. Whenever George and I shop for something, he walks ahead of me and asks for the price while I wait, hidden. Otherwise, they will see he is with a mzungu and triple the price. The other day, we were looking for a picture frame. While he bargained for one, I asked another guy how much his frames were – just out of curiosity. He looked at me and said 2000 shillings. I laughed out loud. A brand new one in the store is 500. We often buy things on the street because they are cheaper. So, I was willing to pay around 200. This guy assumed I was a rich, clueless mzungu and totally hiked the price. It's very frustrating. George ended up getting one for 200 and we moved on.

A few days ago, I needed to get a ride somewhere so I asked a piki piki (motorcycle) how much it would be to go across town. Even though, a Kenyan would pay 30-40 shillings I expect to be charged more and was willing to pay 50. This guy told me 100 so I moved on to another guy right next to him. I asked the same question and he said 50. So we went. He knew the other guy over charged me and the whole ride we discussed being a mzungu and prices. He, too, believed all white people are rich. I told him that I was not and I don't live in a rich area of Kisumu. He said white people bargain too much. I told him we have to because we get ripped off and everyday get judged because of our skin color. In the US, it's illegal to charge someone a higher price because of their race. I asked him, wouldn't he bargain to get the lowest price in the best interests of his family? He said yes he would. It was a very interesting conversation.

Last week, I went to Suzy's house to get it prepared for her arrival. She had been in the US for the past six weeks and we wanted to clean it for her. Caro, another sister in law, came over to help me. While Caro did the floors, I did the kitchen, cleaned the toilets, wiped down the sinks, made the beds and took out the trash. I didn't think it was a big deal and it only took us an hour and a half. Caro told me that she had mentioned to a family friend that she was helping me clean Suzy's house and this person was shocked. Stacie can clean, she asked? She had never seen a mzungu do their own cleaning.

House help is a very common thing in Kenya. Because jobs are so few, many women work as housekeepers (called house help here) for very little money. Because house help make so little, a lot of house holds have house help. Even ones that don't have a lot of money. When I came to Kenya, I was uncomfortable letting Grace, the house help in the Nairobi house we stayed at, clean up or do my laundry. I even hated the term house help. In the US, only the very rich have daily housekeepers. Here, the rich and the poor have house help. It's very odd for me. In the US, we do our own cleaning and cooking (with the exception of some people having someone come a couple times a month to help.). Kenyans don't know that. They assume mzungus have had house help their whole lives.

Another sad misconception I have to fight in Kenya is that often, black Kenyans feel like white people are in a higher class than them. Most of the white Kenyans (from the days of British colonization) are very rich. There is definitely a different culture and class between white Kenyas and black Kenyans. Kenya also has a lot of people coming to work here from other countries and generally they have more money than the average Kenyan. Because the mzungus usually have more money, black Kenyans are hired to work for them for little money. Unfortunately, some mzungus treat black Kenyans badly because they know there are no other jobs and they need the money. I have seen this first hand and it's really terrible. This leads to black Kenyans feeling lower than mzungus. As a result, some black Kenyans feel intimidated by mzungus. I have met people who will hardly talk to me because they feel like we are in a different class and perhaps I am like the other mzungus they have known or heard about. Later, once they have been around me more, they have told me they are surprised we could be friends because I am not like the other mzungus they know. That makes me so sad. That anyone would make them feel lower, is just awful.

In this post, I am mentioning stereotypes and making generalizations based on what I have seen and what others have shared with me. It doesn't mean all Kenyans are like this. Living in Kisumu is very different than Nairobi. In Nairobi, there are tons of mzungus so the difference is not as extreme. In Kisumu, there a lot less mzungus and the stereotypes are stronger. Most of the mzungus that come here are working for ngos non-government organizations) and have a lot of money. So, for me to make a difference here, I have to consistently be kind, work hard and show people that we are on the same level. It makes me be aware of my actions and challenges me to be a good example for Christ at all times.

It's hard for George too. Being married to a mzungu, he has to deal with many misconceptions and assumptions. Sometimes he has to handle people making derogatory and ignorant comments. He has to walk a fine line of being protective and firm, yet humble and wise.

Kenya is great and we love it. No matter where we would be, life has challenges and these are some of the ones we face right now. It just makes me sad that these stereotypes are rooted in truth. We can't change the past, but we can try to change how some people think now by being different than what they have experience before. It's a hard task, but God is giving us the strength we need.

Whirlwind Trip

We are back from Nairobi already! We left yesterday (Tuesday) at 9:00am and arrived in Nairobi at 5:00pm. Right after arriving, we found a hotel to stay at and met up with a friend of George's from high school for dinner. Staying in this hotel made me imagine what it would be like to stay in New York City. We were right in the heart of downtown Nairobi and the noise level was insane. People yelling, buses honking... all night! It didn't make for a good night's sleep, but it was cheap which made it worth it ($22 - including breakfast!).

The next morning, we woke up early. We had to go to Nyoyo House where all immigration issues are handled. I have heard this place is a nightmare and can take all day. So, we decided to beat the rush and get in line early. The place opened at 8:00am and we were there at 7:40. Fortunately, there was no line yet, so we waited until 8:00 and then George stood in the line for a dependent's pass. While he talked to the immigration officer, I sat in the waiting area. He came over five minutes later and said, "we are done", handing me a small paper. The paper was an acknowledgement that we turned in the paperwork.

I immediately peppered George with questions: Now what? Do I have residency? How long does it take to process the paperwork? Do we have to come back? Did it cost anything? Apparently the immigration officer was moody and wasn't helpful so George didn't have the answers. He was just told they would communicate to us by mail. I asked George if we could go back and ask more questions. He was hesitant due to the officer's moodiness. George knew we wouldn't get anywhere if we went back, but he decided to humor me and we went to talk to the guy.

After 30 seconds with the officer, I understood what George meant. He wasn't rude, but he just wasn't in the mood to answer questions. When George handed him the paperwork the first time, he gave George a bit of a hard time and said "why are you giving me so much work this early in the morning, can't you see I am still dressing? (I think he was putting his tie on). George joked back and said "well come over here so I can help you finish." The officer took the paperwork and said "we'll contact you by mail."

When I went to the window, I apologized for disturbing him and asked if I could ask a couple questions. I gave him the acknowledgement paper back (which was good I did because he forgot to put the reference number on it) and asked how long it would take. He said one month. I asked if they call us or if they communicate only by mail. He then said, "come back in one month." Why didn't he tell George that? Before I could ask him more questions, he answered his cell phone and kept talking. I guess we were finished!

So, step one is done. We submitted the paperwork. What happens next? Who knows. Like everything else, we are trusting God to take care of the rest. We'll go back in one month to check on the progress. If it's actually done, I will be so surprised. In Kenya, they tend to tell you what you want to hear to get you to leave and then what actually happens is totally different. George's brother in law has been trying to get his work permit for over a year. They tell him to do one thing and then when he goes back, they tell him to come back with something else. So, we'll see!

Once we left Nyayo House, we decided to check on bus tickets. We hadn't booked return tickets because we didn't know how long it would take. On our way to the bus station, we stopped at one of my favorite places in Nairobi... Java House! I really missed that place. They have the best milkshakes of anyplace in the world. I was very excited to get a chocolate chip cookie shake... yummy! I even saw a waitress that used to serve us at another Java location across town. I asked her if she worked at Junction and she said yes. I told her it had been a while since I was at Java and was happy to be back!



After Java, we went to the bus station and saw a bus ready to leave. Sure enough, it was the 9:00am bus heading to Kisumu! We rushed to buy tickets and hopped on the bus. We made it just in time. As we left, George and I couldn't believe that we were already going back to Kisumu. Things had gone very well (despite the fact we don't really know what will happen next with the residency!).

It was nice to be back in Nairobi if even for only 14 hours. I had a lot of fun in Nairobi over the last two years and wished we had more time there. It's an expensive city so it was actually good we were able to finish our stuff so quickly. Maybe another time we can go back and stay for a day or two so I can show George all my favorite spots.

Downtown Nairobi has a lot of cool, old buildings. Unfortunately, thieves love to target tourists so I can't stop and take a lot of pictures. Here is one I snuck of the Senate.



Our drive back to Kisumu was uneventful,which is a very good thing. It's nice to see the different scenery along the way. Here is a view of the Rift Valley:



Here is a pretty picture from the area around Kericho where they grow a lot of tea:



Around 4:30 we were back in Kisumu. It all happened so fast! 8 hour bus rides on back to back days is very tiring so we were happy to be back home. Thanks so much for your prayers! They worked!

Applying for Residency

Tomorrow George and I are traveling to Nairobi to apply for my residency. If I get approved, I won't have to worry about getting visas anymore. My visa expires in March and technically Kenya requires visitors to return to their home country after being here for six months. While, I would love to visit home with George, financially it's not an option now. We met with immigration officials in Kisumu a couple times to confirm our paperwork is in order. While we don't anticipate any problems, you never know what you will have to deal with while at the mercy of government officials. So, we are praying this works out. We would love your prayers too. Please pray for:

1. Safety during on our bus rides and while in Nairobi aka Nai-robbery.
2. A quick trip to the office where we apply for residency.
3. That we would not run into any bribe requests or corrupt officials who may give us problems.

Thanks!

Shipping Container to Tanzania

Africa Harvest of Hope is shipping a container full of supplies to Tanzania. They have left some room for items for George and I and asked us to come up with a list of stuff we'll need once we move to Korogwe. Since we have nothing, I tried to think of what we could need for our house. We didn't want to ask people to spend money so we were hoping people could donate items on the list if they have anything around their house they don't need anymore. Anything would be appreciated. Used, mismatched items are totally fine with us. If you go to Rancho del Rey, there will be more information given on Sunday. Otherwise, if you have anything you want to donate, they can be dropped off at Julie Breitbarth's house. Her address is:

3443 Arborview Dr. San Marcos 92078

Please email her at thebreitbarths@cox.net for directions or with any questions. Unfortunately, we are very short on time and only have through next week to collect the items. We are so thankful for the blessings and support we receive from home. Thank you!

Here is the list we came up with:

Kitchen

Dishes (plates, bowls, cups, silverware)
Hand Towels
Pot Holders
Kettle
Hand Mixer
Wisk
Coffee Press
Pots & Pans
Cutting Boards
Knives
Grill pan
Measuring cups, spoons
Cake pans
Bread loaves
9x12, 9x9 glass dishes
Zip lock bags
Foil
Tupperware bowls
Coffee Cups
Pitchers
Cookie Sheets
Cooling racks
Rolling Pin
Can Opener
Crock Pot
Cheese Grater
Fridge
Ice Cube Trays
Strainer
Mixing Bowls
Salt and Pepper shakers
Spices and Spice Rack
Dish Rack (for drying)
Aprons
Toaster
Wok
Platters
Table Cloths

Bedroom

Sheets (Queen)
Blankets
Bedspread
Pillow Cases
Hangers
Dresser
Pillows
Mirror
Laundry Baskets

Bathroom

Bath Towels
Wash cloths

Misc.
Bike for George
Blow up mattresses/pump
Extension Cords
Lamps
TV
DVD player
Clock
Clothes Pins
Brooms
Dust pan
Mop
Buckets

Tour of George's Life

Yesterday, George and I borrowed a car and went on a road trip. It was a mini tour of George's life. We drove out of Kisumu to several small villages. We went to his high school, his primary school and visited several of his relatives.





The first house we went to was especially meaningful. George's oldest and favorite sister, Ronica, died five years ago. She had two children, Tom (13) and Angela (5) who live with their father and step mother.



(George and Angela)



(George and Tom)

George hadn't seen them in a few years and was really excited to see them. We had a fun time playing with the little kids that were in the house. Angela was hilarious. We made them glasses out of wire and danced around.



We also made Angela a bracelet out of the wire. She came over to me and asked (with George translating) “Where are your bangles (bracelets)?” Then she said “you know I can chase you out of here because you don't have bangles.” I laughed so much. This tiny girl who was so shy when we first got here was threatening to chase me away because I didn't have bracelets on! It was great to see George's niece and nephew.

Then we stopped by another village to greet some aunts, uncles, and cousins. Here we committed a major African no-no. We had to get back to Kisumu before dark and we were running short on time. We decided it was better to stop by briefly to say hi than not at all since we didn't know when we would be able to do this again. Well, the old aunts wanted us to stay for a meal and were not happy we had to leave so fast. To welcome visitors, you share a meal with them. It's an honor for them. We felt SO bad about leaving, but it's not safe to be out in the dark so we had to leave.

Our last stop was at the village where George grew up. His brother and his family still live there so we briefly got to see them before dashing off to Kisumu. It was a nice day and so fun to see George's history. We talked about now we can see how God was working in our lives to meet each other and work for Him.

DUH!

Along this path of learning how to cook, I share my successes and failures. Yesterday, I had a low moment in cooking. Actually, it wasn't even the cooking, but in the preparation where I messed up. I am going to blame it on the medication I am taking. I am still trying to eliminate my stomach issues and am now taking a second medication. This medication (Metronidazole or Flagyl) is horrible. Everyone here hates it because it's side effects make you feel worse than the symptom you are treating (#3 for those who are curious). After taking it for two days, I felt so sick. This medication makes you feel extremely nauseous, can make you vomit, takes away your appetite, gives a metallic taste in your mouth and just makes you feel terrible. On Saturday, George and I had been on a road trip and by the time we got home, I felt so awful. After resting for a bit, I knew I needed to eat, although nothing sounded good. I decided I might be able to eat mashed potatoes. So, I grabbed the new potato peeler George and I bought at the store and was really bummed when it didn't work. No matter how I held it or how hard I pressed, it wouldn't take off the skin. It was a cheap plastic one so I wasn't surprised when it didn't work, but I was frustrated because there was nothing else I wanted to eat. I complained to George that the stupid potato peeler wasn't working. He came over, looked at it and then looked at me. I showed him how it wasn't removing the skin. He gently said, there is a plastic cover on it. I just looked at him and laughed. What a moron! I had removed the packaging, but didn't removed the plastic slip over the blades. I think he was genuinely confused how I could be so lame! I blamed it on the medication and started peeling away!

Community

I have mentioned before that Africa is much more about community than the US. The US focuses on the individual where as in Kenya it's all about teamwork. I am convinced Africa's motto should be there is no “I in Team.” The more I am here, the more this concept sinks in. Coming from the US, it's a concept that takes some adjustment and time to get used to. Just when I think I am doing well, something comes up and I find myself frustrated with the way things work here. ( It's usually me just being selfish!) Neither way (African or US) is bad and I am not making judgments on either culture, just making observations as a non-flexible person learns to live in a place where flexibility is a must. People here don't struggle with this – it's just how they are raised and it's very ingrained in their being. It's a very selfless way of living and constantly challenges my definition of “mine.” Here are some examples of what I am talking about:

Here there is no “mine.” There is no buying chocolate or soda for yourself and putting it in the fridge for later. Chances are someone will see it and enjoy it. And that wouldn't be viewed as bad or eating someone's food. If you leave your shoes in the living room, someone else may use them to go to the store. Things here are shared.

Due to poverty and illness, many children are left as orphans and homeless. It becomes the responsibilities of their extended family to take care of them. George's parents (the Okechs) have taken in many children. God gave them 8 biological children to take care of and they have helped many more. In addition to taking in George, they have taken in four nieces and nephews whose parents have died. Also, they have two grandchildren living with them. It's important to note, they are not rich. In Kenya, school is not free and parents have to come up with a lot of money to pay for school fees. It's a struggle every term for them to find the money to pay for school. As a result, their faith in God has been strengthened and somehow they manage. Despite their financial struggles, they still open their doors to anyone that needs a place to stay. Whenever we go there, you never know who will be there for lunch or dinner.

The home where George and I live with his brother, Dave, has been a community home for a long time. It's called Ondiek (after the neighborhood where it is located). George's older brothers first rented it, barely scraping thereto enough for rent. Ondiek became home for their friends and family who needed a place to stay. Even though the place is tiny (two bedrooms, a sitting room and a kitchen), they welcomed everyone – even sleeping 4 in a bed if needed. It remains that way today. We will often have overnight guests or people popping by for dinner. I tried to keep track of who was coming so I could be prepared for dinner when George finally told me to not worry about it. It was difficult to get used to. Americans love their privacy and space and would always call first before dropping by someone's house. Here, you are hospitable to everyone who walks through the door. Whatever we have prepared for dinner will be divided for each person. Planning is not essential. You just go with the flow and things will work themselves out.

In homes all over Kenya, there are children living there whose parents live elsewhere. Relatives often take in other children for a variety of reasons – being closer to school or to help the parent's financial problems for instance. Many times, when a parent dies, the responsibility of providing for the family falls on the oldest child. Once they complete school and begin work, their salary goes to help pay for school and food for their younger siblings. Even though this pressure is difficult, they don't complain. It's just accepted this is how it works.

It's an admirable culture. But, one so different than what I am used to. Living in the US, we don't face the hardships of a 3rd world country like Kenya. Poverty, health problems and no jobs contribute to the hard life and suffering people face here. We are so blessed in the US. Each family is responsible for their own issues and generally don't have the burden of taking care of others. Living in this culture has forced me to be less selfish and appreciate small things. I see anything we have as something given to us by God – to be used to bless others as well as ourselves. So when I look for my shoes and realize that someone else is using them or when I return home after a long hot day of errands so excited to drink some cold juice only to find it gone, I have to take a deep breath a say, it's ok. It's not all about me anymore.

Guest Blogger - George Orwa: It's a Choice

IT IS A CHOICE.

Every boy grows up wanting to be someone in life. What they become in life is shaped by whom they associate with, the path they choose to follow as teenagers, the friends they have, what they watch, books they read, and what they come to believe in. As a child I faced many short comings in life. I lost a lot of loved ones and was disappointed by people I was looking up to. I gave up many at times. I had the right to say enough is enough. The difference is that I never lost hope. For me, hope was the light in my journey I was traveling on. I started thinking of how I could survive. In Africa, someone has to survive. As a young man - in and out of the streets, I was faced with many choices as any African abandoned orphaned boy is. Maybe I could have done drugs, just to sweep away my pain, the pain of rejection, the pain of missing loved ones, the pain of feeling left alone in the world. All these come up in my mind. On the other side, I had an iota of a choice, go to school, reject peer pressure and press on. None of the above worked for me-I chose one thing I have never regretted. I CHOSE GOD-at a tender age. And that best choice has worked for me.

After my choice of Jesus, a lot has happened and I am overwhelmed. It is hard to explain but those who know me, bare these simple unnoticed facts, that since then, I did not end up somewhere I thought I could end up in or, them in that case. But my love for God has continued since that day, not because what He has given me-but because HE is God. Whatever happens, bad or good, HE WILL REMAIN GOD.

I thank Him every day for all that He has done to me. A wonderful wife who left her American dreams for ‘GODS Dream’, just to make God known in East Africa. She too chose God. I choose God too. My wife and I choose God. It is a choice. To serve God- A choice that comes with sacrifices. A choice we chose.

I write this to encourage all those who support us: those that sacrifice their pockets to support us in our choice, those that sacrifice their time to pray for us- Our home church Rancho Del Rey, and all those friends everywhere in America. Let us all choose God in 2012. To let Him be known wherever we are, at work, or school, hospitals. As my wife and I do our best to make him known in East Africa, we pray that God gives you strength and grants you the gift of life for the choice you have both made for us, as we choose to serve God in all our lives.

600th Post

This is my 600th post so it better be good, right? I actually didn't have anything to blog about until this evening when George insisted I blog about dinner. I made fish and ugali for dinner and apparently, it was the best fish I have ever cooked. As a Kenyan would say, it was so sweet (not sweet as in sugary, but as in delicious). I actually wasn't hungry and didn't eat it, but George said it was so good that I had to blog about it. From a Luo raised on fish his whole life, that is a compliment. So, George, this 600th post is for you!

Learn how to cook fish... check.

(Learn how to cook beans, not so much. A couple days ago I burned dinner. No one told me you have to add water!)

Name That Fruit

Take a look at these...



Here is a closer look...



What would you guess these are? Post your guesses in the comments and I will let you know if you are right!

Happy New Year!

I hope you all had a great New Years Eve and New Years Day. On New Years Eve, George and I spent the evening at home with his brother, sister and a few friends. Unfortunately, I was sick again so I spent the evening in bed watching Gilmore Girls. I love New Years Eve and was bummed to be sick on our first one together. I managed to stay up until midnight when we had a sparkling apple cider toast.




The next day we spent in Kibos with George's family. We had lunch together and then had a time of sharing. Each of us shared the highs and lows from 2011 and what we hope to do in 2012. We went from youngest to oldest and since there were about 20 of us, it took a while! It was a really neat time. It will be fun to get together next year and see what God has done in each of our lives.