Saying Good Bye

The time has come once again for us to say good bye to our family and friends in Kisumu. Since last Thursday, we have had the pleasure of spending time with George's brother Jimmy who hadn't been to Kenya since moving to the US seven years ago. With him, he brought his wife, Amanda (who he met when she was an exchange student in Kenya), daughter Adelia, brother in law Dave and Dave's fiancee, Susan. Jimmy was the first person George told about me when we began our relationship and the first family member I talked to and emailed. He began calling me "sis" from the beginning and really does feel like a brother. They all are wonderful and it feels like I have known them forever.

Today, we had a good bye lunch at Suzy's house with many of the family members. When someone leaves, it's tradition to get together and have everyone say something to them and then end with a prayer. It's always a sweet time, full of love. I love George's family and really hit the jackpot with them. I often prayed I would marry into a great family and am so blessed that I did. We will miss them so much while in Tanzania.

(Eli with Suzy, my sister in law and closest friend in Kisumu)

(George with Jimmy's daughter, Adelia)

(During the sharing time)

(With George's Mom and Dad)

(With Suzy, Faith, Eddie - another brother, Amanda, Jimmy)

(Cousins Adelia and Adheli)

(Adheli and Eli)

(With Amanda, Jimmy and Adelia. They brought us a football and back pack full of goodies for Eli!)

Please keep us in your prayers as we head to Tanzania. We leave Kisumu tomorrow morning and will arrive in Nairobi in the evening. Then on Wednesday I have an appointment at the US embassy to change my name to Orwa and we'll also pick up Eli's passport. On Thursday we go to Moshi to meet Alan and Shannon before going to Korogwe on Monday or Tuesday of next week. Prayers for Eli's health and comfort on the long bus rides are especially appreciated. Additionally, there is a lot up in the air and we need the Lord to go before us and show us what to do.