Hello from Kenya!
March has been another quiet month for us, but it is leading to exciting things in April.
The dates for our Tanzania trip have been set. We will be traveling to Tanzania on April 4th to meet up with Alan Reed, the leader of Africa Harvest of Hope. We expect to return to Kisumu around the 16th. During our time together, we will be discussing many things regarding the ministry and formulating a plan for our move to Korogwe. One really important task is to find a house for us. We need one that is small, modest (and cheap!), but very secure. We are praying God leads us to the perfect place. If we find a place, we’ll move there hopefully at the end of the month. We are very excited for this trip and really want to see God’s blessing and hear His voice while we are there. It has been hard waiting on His timing for everything as we are excited to get to work. But we trust in His timing and are happy things are moving forward.
A couple weeks ago, we were blessed to attend the re- launching of Trinity Fellowship’s Kakamega branch. It was a really special meeting. They were able to share what God has done so far this year and set the vision for the rest of the year. God is really working through this ministry and many kids are hearing the gospel and getting help because of them.
Praise report – Stacie is feeling so much better now. She is 16 weeks along and is thrilled the nausea is gone.
April will be a busy and eventful month for us and ask that you lift us up in prayer in the following areas:
1. Tanzania trip
1.Safety on the long bus ride
2. Productive time with Alan and Herbert as we discuss the ministry and how God wants us to help. That God would be the center of all we do and talk about.
3. A house is found for us.
2. Continued good health for Stacie and the baby.
Hopefully we’ll be able to update the blog (http://www.thisisstaciesblog.blogspot.com/) during our trip. Be sure to check it out for photos, stories and prayer requests. Thank you so much for your prayers, love and support. We are so blessed to have you walk on this journey with us.
Love,
George and Stacie
Psalm 134:2 Lift up holy hands in prayer, and praise the LORD.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
Baby's First Gift
George came home with the baby's first present. A pair of cute shorts. Baby clothes are so cute. He's assuming we are having a boy (I think it's a girl). We'll find out in a month or so, hopefully!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
The Iron Chef of Omena
Omena is a popular Luo dish. One that I haven't been able to embrace yet. Should I one day be able to, I am in luck because my husband is the Iron Chef of Omena. Self proclaimed and others have testified to the fact.
"It tastes super" Dave Okech, March 21,2012
"George makes the best omena." Nancy Okech, February 2012
Omena is a tiny little fish found in Lake Victoria. When I say tiny, I mean tiny. It ranges from 1/2 inch to an inch. It's dried and then sold in the market. It's quite fragrant! Omena is made like many other Kenyan dishes - fry it in a little oil, add onions, tomatoes, green pepper and cilantro.
It's very much liked here when it's well made. Apparently many people make it and it doesn't taste very nice. So, that's why George making it so well makes him the Iron Chef of Omena. He is so particular about it, I am not allowed to make it!!! I have learned to make other Kenyan foods: beef, chicken, talapia, sakuma and ugali, but omena is very tricky so George prefers to make it for now which is fine by me. I told him that he'll eventually need to teach me too. While I don't eat it, I am happy to make it for him. He has also informed me our kids will eat it too which I fully support. George says omena made him into the handsome man he is today. Who am I to argue?
"It tastes super" Dave Okech, March 21,2012
"George makes the best omena." Nancy Okech, February 2012
Omena is a tiny little fish found in Lake Victoria. When I say tiny, I mean tiny. It ranges from 1/2 inch to an inch. It's dried and then sold in the market. It's quite fragrant! Omena is made like many other Kenyan dishes - fry it in a little oil, add onions, tomatoes, green pepper and cilantro.
It's very much liked here when it's well made. Apparently many people make it and it doesn't taste very nice. So, that's why George making it so well makes him the Iron Chef of Omena. He is so particular about it, I am not allowed to make it!!! I have learned to make other Kenyan foods: beef, chicken, talapia, sakuma and ugali, but omena is very tricky so George prefers to make it for now which is fine by me. I told him that he'll eventually need to teach me too. While I don't eat it, I am happy to make it for him. He has also informed me our kids will eat it too which I fully support. George says omena made him into the handsome man he is today. Who am I to argue?
An Afternoon at the Lake
Today George and I went to Lake Victoria. Lately, I have been missing the ocean and have been wanting to go to the lake. Plus, the breeze is awesome making it much cooler than our house. Kisumu is right on the lakeside, but we rarely go down there. Since it looks like we'll be moving to Tanzania soon, we want to do stuff in Kisumu that we won't be able to do there - like go to the lake. So today was the day.
We called Drogba, packed up some snacks, put Nala on her leash and headed down there. Once again it was three people and a dog on a motorcycle. It never ceases to crack me up! One of these days, I'll get a photo.
We went to my favorite place in Kisumu - Hippo Point. It's a little park by the lake where hippos show up. I didn't see any today, but I have seen them in the past. We had a really nice time. Being by the water instantly relaxed me. It was great to let go of all our worries and just enjoy quiet time. Here are some photos of our time there:
(Nala went swimming for the first time. I'm not too sure if she liked it!)
(George is telling her to sit. She does it on command now. I think she is a genius!)
(Her ears are way too big for her head now. I hope she grows into them. I also love that she turns her head when we talk to her.)
(Nala got a snack too... the rest of George's banana. Proof I am not the only one that spoils her!)
(She is rarely far from George's side.)
(This one cracks me up! I listened to Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" this morning and told George I hope we have a girl so we can sing that song. So, when George was holding Nala like he would a baby, I was dying laughing and started to sing "Isn't She Lovely.")
(George has given her a few piggy back rides which also cracked me up. Today he decided it was my turn.)
(The Orwas... our first family photo.)
Going to the lake made me so happy. It was just so peaceful. I will miss it when we leave.
**** A funny side note - When Drogba came to pick us up, it was evident we weighed down his motorcycle. We got passed up by a man on a bicycle!
We called Drogba, packed up some snacks, put Nala on her leash and headed down there. Once again it was three people and a dog on a motorcycle. It never ceases to crack me up! One of these days, I'll get a photo.
We went to my favorite place in Kisumu - Hippo Point. It's a little park by the lake where hippos show up. I didn't see any today, but I have seen them in the past. We had a really nice time. Being by the water instantly relaxed me. It was great to let go of all our worries and just enjoy quiet time. Here are some photos of our time there:
(Nala went swimming for the first time. I'm not too sure if she liked it!)
(George is telling her to sit. She does it on command now. I think she is a genius!)
(Her ears are way too big for her head now. I hope she grows into them. I also love that she turns her head when we talk to her.)
(Nala got a snack too... the rest of George's banana. Proof I am not the only one that spoils her!)
(She is rarely far from George's side.)
(This one cracks me up! I listened to Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" this morning and told George I hope we have a girl so we can sing that song. So, when George was holding Nala like he would a baby, I was dying laughing and started to sing "Isn't She Lovely.")
(George has given her a few piggy back rides which also cracked me up. Today he decided it was my turn.)
(The Orwas... our first family photo.)
Going to the lake made me so happy. It was just so peaceful. I will miss it when we leave.
**** A funny side note - When Drogba came to pick us up, it was evident we weighed down his motorcycle. We got passed up by a man on a bicycle!
Africa Hot
It has once again been Africa hot here. The rains just teased us and now it looks like they are gone for quite a while. Our house has a metal roof which absorbs the heat. No matter if the doors and windows are open all day, the house is boiling. It stays that way through the night because, due to the mosquitoes, we have to close them around 7:00pm so the house stays hot, hot, hot. Outside is much cooler than inside. Today I was complaining about being hot in the house and George came up with a great solution. Lay outside. He grabbed an old mattress and I got my pillow and book. It was great. There was a nice breeze and it was very comfortable. I read for a bit and then took a nap. Can't wait to do it again tomorrow!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
15 weeks and Counting
Today I saw the doctor for a check up. Everything is going well. Labs, blood pressure and ultrasounds are all fine. I am feeling so much better now that I am in the second trimester. Nausea is rare these days. I have been able to eat a lot more now which resulted in a 4 pound weight gain since the last visit. I am still down ten pounds since I got pregnant so I am ok with that. I have been trying to walk and eat well and will keep doing that to maintain a healthy pregnancy. We got to hear the heart beat on a Doppler for the first time. It's so strange and surreal! When we go to Tanzania we'll look into the hospitals there and decide if I can deliver there or if we should go back to Kenya for the delivery. There is a lot to consider in addition to the safest place for me give birth. Since the baby will be a Kenyan citizen as well as American citizen we'll have to fill out lots of paperwork to ensure there are no immigration issues. It seems a bit overwhelming now, but we are just taking things one step at a time.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Boiling Water
In Kenya, the water that comes out of the tap is not safe to drink as is. If you drink it without treating it, you are susceptible to typhoid, parasites and other nasty illnesses. One option is to buy large water jugs (like Sparklets) at the store. Another option is to use certain filters. The option we choose is to simply boil it. We do it this way to save money. Every five days or so, I boil four pots of water using the electric kettle. Once it has cooled, I pour it through a clean cloth into soda bottles (2 liter size) which we keep in the fridge and it's ready to drink.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Going to Tanzania
George and I will be going to Tanzania around April 5th to meet Alan (the leader of Africa Harvest of Hope). We'll be able to talk about the ministry and how George and I can be of service to them. One important thing we'll be doing is looking for a house for me and George. We would appreciate your prayers in advance that God would provide the perfect place for us - modest, safe and cheap! We'll update you more on specifics as our departure date approaches.
Launch Party
Yesterday, George and I went to Kakamega to attend the launch of Trinity Fellowship's Kakamega branch. Last month, George attended a meeting where the vision, mission and action plans were decided. Although this branch has been in existence for a while - it has been re-vamped and wanted to celebrate a start of a new era.
The launch ceremony was really special. They had students from various schools perform as well as speeches from special speakers.
As an associate, George had a chance to address the crowd.
The main speaker, Paul, did an amazing job.
One of the verses he read was Psalm 126:5.6
Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.
He talked about the work being hard at times, but the Lord will bring rejoicing in the end. He had us act out a five step process (which is what I am doing out in the picture.)
1. Go
2. Weep
3. Sow
4. Reap
5. Rejoice
(Hey Traci - here is a pregnancy photo for you. Since I already have a belly, I don't look different yet! But here I am at almost 15 weeks.)
During the meeting, the leadership team shared the vision for this next year and shared what has been done so far. Last month, they were able to visit 50 schools and received a letter from the Minister of Education granting them permission to work in all the schools in Kakamega County. Next up is a camp for elementary and high school kids in April. George and I won't be able to go, but we encouraged all the kids to go. The meeting was great and I am so glad we were able to go. God is going to do amazing things through this ministry.
On our way home, George and I received an unexpected blessing. Paul, the main speaker, had driven to Kakamega and would be driving through Kisumu on his way home. He was able to take us with him. We took a matatu on the way there and was so happy to ride in a car on the way back. Instead of two hours, it only took one hour. Thanks Paul!
The launch ceremony was really special. They had students from various schools perform as well as speeches from special speakers.
As an associate, George had a chance to address the crowd.
The main speaker, Paul, did an amazing job.
One of the verses he read was Psalm 126:5.6
Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.
He talked about the work being hard at times, but the Lord will bring rejoicing in the end. He had us act out a five step process (which is what I am doing out in the picture.)
1. Go
2. Weep
3. Sow
4. Reap
5. Rejoice
(Hey Traci - here is a pregnancy photo for you. Since I already have a belly, I don't look different yet! But here I am at almost 15 weeks.)
During the meeting, the leadership team shared the vision for this next year and shared what has been done so far. Last month, they were able to visit 50 schools and received a letter from the Minister of Education granting them permission to work in all the schools in Kakamega County. Next up is a camp for elementary and high school kids in April. George and I won't be able to go, but we encouraged all the kids to go. The meeting was great and I am so glad we were able to go. God is going to do amazing things through this ministry.
On our way home, George and I received an unexpected blessing. Paul, the main speaker, had driven to Kakamega and would be driving through Kisumu on his way home. He was able to take us with him. We took a matatu on the way there and was so happy to ride in a car on the way back. Instead of two hours, it only took one hour. Thanks Paul!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Bhajias
In Kenya, jobs are scarce so many people are entrepreneurs. People sell their goods and services along the streets or often in front of their houses. It's much more complicated to do that in the US. Permits, licenses, regulation are all things people might have to deal with in the US. In Kenya, you can just set up shop and go.
A few houses down from us, our neighbor makes french fries and bhajias (fried, battered potatoes) in her front yard and sells them from a little stand right outside. Everyone from the neighborhood seems to stop by. There is a school nearby so a lot of kids come with their pocket money to buy lunch.
Depending on how much you want to spend: 5, 10, 15, 20 shillings, etc, she bags up the fries or bhajia and adds salt and ketchup if desired. She also has benches for people who want to eat there.
She used to just make fries, but now mostly does bhajias. If she doesn't have fries, she'll make them if I request a batch. George and I usually have them a couple times a week for lunch. This cost us about 30 cents.
The ketchup they use in Kenya is very watery and sweet. I was thrilled when I found Heinz Ketchup at the store. It makes my fries perfect!
A few houses down from us, our neighbor makes french fries and bhajias (fried, battered potatoes) in her front yard and sells them from a little stand right outside. Everyone from the neighborhood seems to stop by. There is a school nearby so a lot of kids come with their pocket money to buy lunch.
Depending on how much you want to spend: 5, 10, 15, 20 shillings, etc, she bags up the fries or bhajia and adds salt and ketchup if desired. She also has benches for people who want to eat there.
She used to just make fries, but now mostly does bhajias. If she doesn't have fries, she'll make them if I request a batch. George and I usually have them a couple times a week for lunch. This cost us about 30 cents.
The ketchup they use in Kenya is very watery and sweet. I was thrilled when I found Heinz Ketchup at the store. It makes my fries perfect!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Sweeping the Dirt
When I was in Sudan, I noticed women sweeping the dirt in front of their houses. I was baffled by it. Why would you sweep the dirt? It's dirt. I never got it and always thought it was silly. In Kenya, I noticed people do that too. They sweep the ground around their house. Again I wondered, what's the point? Since staying at our house in Ondiek, I have noticed my neighbors doing it everyday. It's one of the tasks the women do everyday... and usually early in the morning. Sometimes when female family members or friends come, they help do chores in the house and one thing they usually do is sweep our yard which is usually covered in flowers that fell from the tree above. I don't mind the flowers, but I guess to others it looks untidy. George even did it once when his mom was on her way over. After that, I began to feel convicted and I realized it's not silly. These women take pride in their houses, no matter where they are located or what kind of surroundings they are in. Just because they don't have a fancy lawn or yard, doesn't mean they can't present their house in the best way possible.
So last week, on a day where I felt particularly ambitious, I decided to sweep the yard. It was hard work. Their brooms are different than US brooms. Most households use one like this, not a fancy one with a long handle.
It only took me about 15 minutes, but after, my back hurt from bending over and I was sweating. It was a good lesson, though - to take care of what we have been given, no matter what situation we find ourselves in.
Before
After
So last week, on a day where I felt particularly ambitious, I decided to sweep the yard. It was hard work. Their brooms are different than US brooms. Most households use one like this, not a fancy one with a long handle.
It only took me about 15 minutes, but after, my back hurt from bending over and I was sweating. It was a good lesson, though - to take care of what we have been given, no matter what situation we find ourselves in.
Before
After
Monday, March 12, 2012
Visa Extended! I'm Not Deported!
My residency paperwork is still being processed and my visa is set to expire in six days so we visited the immigration office in Kisumu this morning. I was kind of nervous because I was told they won't issue a visa after a person has been in Kenya for six months. Once the six month visa is up, foreigners are supposed to go back to their home countries. We hoped that since the residency paperwork was filed, I would be granted an extension.
When it was our turn, George explained the situation to the immigration office and she said I would have to go back to the US. We explained that is not possible because we don't have the money for that. She left the room and I sent up a fast prayer. Fortunately, she came back quickly and said she would grant us a three month extension. And the best part... there was no charge.
We filled out some paperwork, copied some documents and my passport was stamped. Thank you Lord! So, I am good for another three months and hopefully the residency paperwork will be completed by then.
When it was our turn, George explained the situation to the immigration office and she said I would have to go back to the US. We explained that is not possible because we don't have the money for that. She left the room and I sent up a fast prayer. Fortunately, she came back quickly and said she would grant us a three month extension. And the best part... there was no charge.
We filled out some paperwork, copied some documents and my passport was stamped. Thank you Lord! So, I am good for another three months and hopefully the residency paperwork will be completed by then.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Dell Charger
Does anyone have an old Dell laptop charger that they don't use anymore? George's died and we need another one. If you have one and can spare it, please let me know. Thanks!!!
Family on the Go
Today I wish I had a picture of us. George's parents received a new exchange student from the US this afternoon. Whenever a new student arrives, we all go over there to introduce ourselves. His parents live outside of town so we have to go in a car, matatu or on a motorcycle. We usually go on a motorcycle and decided to do that today. Except this time, George decided to take Nala. Our friend, Drogba, picked us up and off we went. 3 adults and a dog on a motorcycle. It was a funny site. I would love to have had a photo of it.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Pregnancy Brain
In this blog, I like to share the ups and the downs of missionary life. I also seek to be honest about my shortcomings and struggles. I am a smart person, but occasionally, I do dumb things.
You might remember this...
http://www.thisisstaciesblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/dumb-mistake.html
Or this ...
http://www.thisisstaciesblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/still-learning.html
And don't forget this doosey...
http://www.thisisstaciesblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/chamberpot.html
Well, here is another one for you. In my defense, I can now blame the pregnancy brain. The pregnancy brain is a true, physiological symptom of pregnancy that makes women forget A LOT. I remember when my cousin was pregnant. She couldn't remember a thing (shout out to Denielle)! I thought it was funny at the time, but now I find it frustrating. I have a terrible short term memory anyway (when I am not pregnant) which is why I write everything down. Combine that with pregnancy brain and I am a disaster.
Here is what happened...
A couple days ago, George and I decided to take a walk to the grocery store. It's only ten minutes away from our house. I had been wearing a sundress that I only wear around the house and quickly changed into jean capris and a shirt. These capris are kind of stretchy and often slip and sag a little. I am usually tugging at the waistband as I walk. As soon as we left the house, immediately the jeans began to slide. Since I was used to that, I didn't think anything of it. But as we walked, they slipped literally every two steps. I complained to George that I was so annoyed at these stupid jeans. They kept falling. Finally, I just had to walk holding up my jeans. By the time we reached the store, I decided this was the last time I was wearing these jeans. I was used to having to tug at them a bit, but this was ridiculous. We entered the store and headed to the milk isle. I pulled up my jeans once again and decided to look down. Can you guess what I did? I left the house without buttoning or zipping my jeans. Yep. I am a moron. Who does that? I've forgotten a zipper before, but to not even button my jeans? That was a first. No wonder they kept falling. Fortunately, I was wearing a long top so I don't think anyone could see anything. I quickly rectified the problem and laughed about it for the next hour. Wow, if I am doing this at 14 weeks, I can't imagine what will happen over the next six months!
You might remember this...
http://www.thisisstaciesblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/dumb-mistake.html
Or this ...
http://www.thisisstaciesblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/still-learning.html
And don't forget this doosey...
http://www.thisisstaciesblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/chamberpot.html
Well, here is another one for you. In my defense, I can now blame the pregnancy brain. The pregnancy brain is a true, physiological symptom of pregnancy that makes women forget A LOT. I remember when my cousin was pregnant. She couldn't remember a thing (shout out to Denielle)! I thought it was funny at the time, but now I find it frustrating. I have a terrible short term memory anyway (when I am not pregnant) which is why I write everything down. Combine that with pregnancy brain and I am a disaster.
Here is what happened...
A couple days ago, George and I decided to take a walk to the grocery store. It's only ten minutes away from our house. I had been wearing a sundress that I only wear around the house and quickly changed into jean capris and a shirt. These capris are kind of stretchy and often slip and sag a little. I am usually tugging at the waistband as I walk. As soon as we left the house, immediately the jeans began to slide. Since I was used to that, I didn't think anything of it. But as we walked, they slipped literally every two steps. I complained to George that I was so annoyed at these stupid jeans. They kept falling. Finally, I just had to walk holding up my jeans. By the time we reached the store, I decided this was the last time I was wearing these jeans. I was used to having to tug at them a bit, but this was ridiculous. We entered the store and headed to the milk isle. I pulled up my jeans once again and decided to look down. Can you guess what I did? I left the house without buttoning or zipping my jeans. Yep. I am a moron. Who does that? I've forgotten a zipper before, but to not even button my jeans? That was a first. No wonder they kept falling. Fortunately, I was wearing a long top so I don't think anyone could see anything. I quickly rectified the problem and laughed about it for the next hour. Wow, if I am doing this at 14 weeks, I can't imagine what will happen over the next six months!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Cooking Fish
I want to blog more about living in Kenya. So, as I do things, I will try to remember to blog about them. Tonight I prepared fish. Here is how I did it... step by step.
1. Gather the raw materials: fried talapia from the market and vegetables from the woman near our house
2. Chop the veggies (we forgot to get green pepper.)
3. Cook the onions in a little bit of oil until they are golden brown
4. Add the tomatoes and cook until soft. Pound them into a sauce.
5. Add seasoning with a little bit of water.
6. Add salt
7. Add cilantro and bring to a boil
8. Add the fish and cover with a little bit of the sauce.
9. Simmer for 10 minutes and flip fish over. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
10. Get the ugali flour and boil water.
11. Add ugali flour to boiling water. I don't know how to measure how much water and how much flour. I can just feel when it's right.
12. Mix well with ugali spoon. Should form a thick paste.
13. Cover and cook until finished. Again, I don't know how long. I can smell when it's done.
14. Flip over onto a plate and let it cool.
15. Eat and enjoy!
(The ugali is used like a spoon. You take a handful, form it into a little basket and use it to scoop up the soup and fish. Be sure to watch out for bones!)
1. Gather the raw materials: fried talapia from the market and vegetables from the woman near our house
2. Chop the veggies (we forgot to get green pepper.)
3. Cook the onions in a little bit of oil until they are golden brown
4. Add the tomatoes and cook until soft. Pound them into a sauce.
5. Add seasoning with a little bit of water.
6. Add salt
7. Add cilantro and bring to a boil
8. Add the fish and cover with a little bit of the sauce.
9. Simmer for 10 minutes and flip fish over. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
10. Get the ugali flour and boil water.
11. Add ugali flour to boiling water. I don't know how to measure how much water and how much flour. I can just feel when it's right.
12. Mix well with ugali spoon. Should form a thick paste.
13. Cover and cook until finished. Again, I don't know how long. I can smell when it's done.
14. Flip over onto a plate and let it cool.
15. Eat and enjoy!
(The ugali is used like a spoon. You take a handful, form it into a little basket and use it to scoop up the soup and fish. Be sure to watch out for bones!)
Nala and the Neighborhood
Here are some photos of what I was talking about in my previous blog.
(Nala running after George and some of the neighborhood kids)
(Nala chasing the kids down the street. Notice the trash? The rain brought water that flooded our area, bringing trash and sewage. Yuck!)
(One girl was brave enough to sneak up on Nala and pet her before running away.)
(Me sitting in front of our house watching the action. Nala is sitting under my legs taking a moment to rest. George pointed out I am wearing the shirt I was wearing when I met him. What a good memory!)
(George with some of the kids watching Nala.)
(Nala running after George and some of the neighborhood kids)
(Nala chasing the kids down the street. Notice the trash? The rain brought water that flooded our area, bringing trash and sewage. Yuck!)
(One girl was brave enough to sneak up on Nala and pet her before running away.)
(Me sitting in front of our house watching the action. Nala is sitting under my legs taking a moment to rest. George pointed out I am wearing the shirt I was wearing when I met him. What a good memory!)
(George with some of the kids watching Nala.)
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Nothing New
Sorry for the silence. I haven't had much to blog about. I'm sure there is stuff, but the more I live here, the more things are normal and I forget it might be interesting for you to read about.
Since I can't think of anything at the moment, I'll post a new picture of Nala. She is really growing. George kept telling me her ears would stick up like her mom's. I really thought they would stay folded, but it looks like he is right. She is going through a really cute one ear up and one ear down phase.
Nala has become so popular in our neighborhood. In the evening, George takes her outside to play and the neighborhood kids flock around her. Because dogs are for security here and are mean, the kids are scared of her. They think she will bite them. She probably would, but not because she is vicious, but because she is a playful puppy. Sometimes I will be inside making dinner or doing other stuff and I hear all the kids yelling "Nala" and then screaming as she runs after them. It's so funny. She has also become a big Daddy's girl. Even though he is the tougher disciplinarian, she is so attached to him. She sleeps at his feet and definitely runs to him before me. And she loves fish. Like father, like daughter. She likes fish and is stubborn. She is in the right family!!!
Since I can't think of anything at the moment, I'll post a new picture of Nala. She is really growing. George kept telling me her ears would stick up like her mom's. I really thought they would stay folded, but it looks like he is right. She is going through a really cute one ear up and one ear down phase.
Nala has become so popular in our neighborhood. In the evening, George takes her outside to play and the neighborhood kids flock around her. Because dogs are for security here and are mean, the kids are scared of her. They think she will bite them. She probably would, but not because she is vicious, but because she is a playful puppy. Sometimes I will be inside making dinner or doing other stuff and I hear all the kids yelling "Nala" and then screaming as she runs after them. It's so funny. She has also become a big Daddy's girl. Even though he is the tougher disciplinarian, she is so attached to him. She sleeps at his feet and definitely runs to him before me. And she loves fish. Like father, like daughter. She likes fish and is stubborn. She is in the right family!!!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
February Email Update
Jambo!
Last time we wrote, it was HOT, HOT, HOT here in Kisumu. Thankfully, the rain has returned and we have had relief from the heat. Finally! Here is what has been going on during the month of February:
This month has been relatively quiet, yet it was an important one for us. The biggest thing was the announcement that we are expecting a baby. For those of you not on Facebook or who don't read the blog, this may be the first you are hearing of it. Surprise! Stacie is twelve weeks along and the baby is due at the end of August or beginning of September. Stacie went to see the doctor a couple weeks ago, did an ultrasound and ran some lab tests. Praise the Lord, everything is going well. Other than fatigue and nausea, Stacie is on track for a healthy pregnancy.
We had another addition to our family in the form of a puppy. George's dog (who lives with his parents) had 8 babies and we took the last one. Nala Jean Orwa is a precocious, naughty, adorable puppy who will grow up to be our guard dog. We are working on her paperwork and vaccinations so she can come to us with Tanzania.
George did some work with Trinity Fellowship. He attended the Kakamega branch's leadership meeting where new leaders were elected and a plan was established to accomplish their 2012 vision – to reach every high school in the area once a week. George also met with the Kisumu branch and consulted them on a few issues.
Our move to Tanzania and ministry work with Africa Harvest of Hope is starting to come together. Lord willing, we will meet Alan (the leader of the ministry) in Tanzania in a few weeks to discuss ministry details, get to know each other better and look for a house for us. If all goes well, we would love to move to Korogwe sometime in April. Then, we will ease into ministry slowly as we adapt to life in a new place. We are very excited to get there. We know that's where God wants us and are ready to get started!
Africa Harvest of Hope finished loading the shipping container and now it's en route to Korogwe. Inside the container is 250,000 meals, clothes, pillows, sheets, blankets and other items for the children's home as well as lots of donations for the Orwa house. We still are overwhelmed with gratitude for all those who have sent things to help us set up our new home. We are so blessed.
We anticipate a very busy March and would love your prayers for the following items:
1. A safe and productive trip to Tanzania as we meet Alan and formulate a plan for our move to Korogwe.
2. Finances – we have a lot of expenses coming up as we transition into full time ministry in a new place. Finding reliable transportation will be vital – especially now that Stacie is pregnant and we'll soon have a little one joining our family. We are praying for God to provide a reliable, cheap car for us.
3. Good health for Stacie as she goes through this pregnancy and wisdom for George as he researches the best places for pre-natal care and delivery.
4. Strength and faith for us as we deal with a lot of changes – new marriage, new country, new ministry, and new baby. We are doing well and want God to keep our marriage strong as we seek to keep Him at the center.
If you want to follow what is going on with us more frequently than through our monthly updates, you can read the blog at http://www.thisisstaciesblog.blogspot.com/ or check out our ministry Facebook page under George and Stacie Orwa's Ministry Page.
With love from East Africa,
George and Stacie
Psalm 121:8 The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
Last time we wrote, it was HOT, HOT, HOT here in Kisumu. Thankfully, the rain has returned and we have had relief from the heat. Finally! Here is what has been going on during the month of February:
This month has been relatively quiet, yet it was an important one for us. The biggest thing was the announcement that we are expecting a baby. For those of you not on Facebook or who don't read the blog, this may be the first you are hearing of it. Surprise! Stacie is twelve weeks along and the baby is due at the end of August or beginning of September. Stacie went to see the doctor a couple weeks ago, did an ultrasound and ran some lab tests. Praise the Lord, everything is going well. Other than fatigue and nausea, Stacie is on track for a healthy pregnancy.
We had another addition to our family in the form of a puppy. George's dog (who lives with his parents) had 8 babies and we took the last one. Nala Jean Orwa is a precocious, naughty, adorable puppy who will grow up to be our guard dog. We are working on her paperwork and vaccinations so she can come to us with Tanzania.
George did some work with Trinity Fellowship. He attended the Kakamega branch's leadership meeting where new leaders were elected and a plan was established to accomplish their 2012 vision – to reach every high school in the area once a week. George also met with the Kisumu branch and consulted them on a few issues.
Our move to Tanzania and ministry work with Africa Harvest of Hope is starting to come together. Lord willing, we will meet Alan (the leader of the ministry) in Tanzania in a few weeks to discuss ministry details, get to know each other better and look for a house for us. If all goes well, we would love to move to Korogwe sometime in April. Then, we will ease into ministry slowly as we adapt to life in a new place. We are very excited to get there. We know that's where God wants us and are ready to get started!
Africa Harvest of Hope finished loading the shipping container and now it's en route to Korogwe. Inside the container is 250,000 meals, clothes, pillows, sheets, blankets and other items for the children's home as well as lots of donations for the Orwa house. We still are overwhelmed with gratitude for all those who have sent things to help us set up our new home. We are so blessed.
We anticipate a very busy March and would love your prayers for the following items:
1. A safe and productive trip to Tanzania as we meet Alan and formulate a plan for our move to Korogwe.
2. Finances – we have a lot of expenses coming up as we transition into full time ministry in a new place. Finding reliable transportation will be vital – especially now that Stacie is pregnant and we'll soon have a little one joining our family. We are praying for God to provide a reliable, cheap car for us.
3. Good health for Stacie as she goes through this pregnancy and wisdom for George as he researches the best places for pre-natal care and delivery.
4. Strength and faith for us as we deal with a lot of changes – new marriage, new country, new ministry, and new baby. We are doing well and want God to keep our marriage strong as we seek to keep Him at the center.
If you want to follow what is going on with us more frequently than through our monthly updates, you can read the blog at http://www.thisisstaciesblog.blogspot.com/ or check out our ministry Facebook page under George and Stacie Orwa's Ministry Page.
With love from East Africa,
George and Stacie
Psalm 121:8 The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
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