Church

Do you ever have a Sunday where you just want to stay home? For whatever reason, you don't feel like going to church? Yesterday was one of those days for me. After I got up with Eli, I was in a funk and wanted to wake up George and ask if we could stay home. Fortunately, as the morning went on, I prayed and felt better about going. It was a good thing too because, I didn't know it, but George was scheduled to preach! And it ended up being a good service. I find it always happens that way. Whenever you don't want to go, but manage to drag yourself there, it always ends up being great and you knew you were supposed to be there. The worship was awesome. I now know about 75% of the songs sung in the church (in Kiswahili). I love how the songs sound with just the drum playing and people free to sway and move as they desire. Most of the songs I understand the words now so I can truly sing them to the Lord. I really miss singing worship in English. When the AHOH team came in July 2012, there was a guy who brought a guitar and led worship for us (in English). I just cried from the familiarity of it. The more I am here, the more I can connect to the music and songs.

George's message was great too. He talked about finding hope in Christ alone, not in our circumstances and instead of focusing on what God can do for us, focus on what we can do for God. I'm so glad I didn't give in to my desire to stay home. It was a good reminder to me that when I don't feel like going to church, it's when I need to be there the most.

Playground Ministy

On Saturday, we met with other missionaries and were presented with the opportunity to help with a playground ministry. Moshi is a small town, but because it is where people start their trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro, there are lots of foreingers here. Some are here short term and others stay a long time. Because Moshi is small, we often run into the same people over and over. Especially at the one main grocery store in town. That is where we met Jill. It just started out with a hello and over time, we have gotten to know her better. On Friday, she saw George and invited us to a ministry meeting she was having the next day. We went not knowing what to expect and were excited about what we heard.

Jill is an American who has lived here for thirteen years. God gave her a vision to help children in the area of town where our church is. It's a poor area and has lots of needs. She was able to buy land and build a playground. On Saturday mornings, she opens it up to kids, giving them a chance to play and learn about God. After playing for a while, the kids hear a Bible story. Every child is welcome. About 50% of the kids are Christian and the other half is Muslim. Their goal is to show the kids love. Kids have a rough life here, full of hard work from a young age. Here they can relax and be carefree kids for a few hours. Lots of kids show up. Sometimes over 200! For that reason, they need help! The kids can get rambunctious. You'll get a ten year old going full blast on the swings and then a two year old (who came alone) gets in the way and is launched in the air by the kid in the swing. So, there has to be a lot of supervision to keep it safe for everyone. They also do community services and offer education on things like hygeine, parenting skills and health care.

This Saturday, they are launching the playground minsitry for 2014 and are putting on a little carnival for the parents and the kids. They have invited us and other new potential volunteers to come and check it out. We are excited to go and see what the Lord is doing there and possibly sign up to help.

17 Months

Our little guy is growing up rapidly. This past month was all about talking, talking, talking. It's so cute to hear Eli try to talk. Sometimes he surprises us with the words he knows. Here are some of the words he knows: car, doggie, grass, ball, door, cracker, balloon (he calls them bamoons), shoes, juice, stairs, chairs, swing, apple, poo poo, pee pee, paper, puppy... I know there is more, but that is all I can think of now.

When he sees a cow, he says "mooooo." It actually sounds like "moooooow." I love that.

One thing he does that George LOVES is he calls me Stace ... 90% of the time. He picked it up from George, hearing him call for me.... Stace! So now it's Stace, Stace, Stace. If he wants something, he calls for Stace. One day George took him out on errands and when they got back, Eli got out of the car and yelled "Stace!" when he saw me. Ok, it's kind of cute, but I am his mom and he should call me that. So, whenever he says "Stace" I say "Mama."

Eli is going through a "mommy" phase. He never really did before, but lately he wants to be with me all the time.

Eli's weight has been the same for so long now. He is still at 13 kilos. He still wears 18-24 month clothes. He continues to sleep well, from about 6:30pm to 6:30am. He is doing well with his one nap a day. He usually sleeps for an hour and a half.

He is starting to do things on his own. He is not just doing them when we tell him. Tonight as I put him to bed, he blew me a kiss. It was adorable. Usually he does it only when I tell him to. A couple days ago, I looked back in the car and he was reading his "Tiny Bear Bible." In the past, he would read just when we read with him, now he is doing it alone.



His new thing is wanting to sit on the counter in the kitchen. It actually works out well because while he is sitting amusing himself with spices and kitchen gadgets, I can cook and clean.




At this age, he is testing boundaries. He has seemed to forgotten what the word "no" means. Or he is just ignoring it. So, we are trying to be consistent and get him to obey the first time. He hasn't learned the art of the "throw down on the floor" tantrum, but he will stand there and scream.

He still loves Nala. In fact, "Nana" is the word he uses most throughout the day. I break up many "fights" between them.



He is all boy. He loves climbing and is obsessed with cars.

Love this boy!

Mama Remi

(Some of you may have seen this blog that George posted on Facebook and the AHOH website. For those who haven't I thought I would post it here.)

As you walk into Yesu Anaweza church, people sing with joy as they jump and praise. The only musical instrument is a drum..with two sticks played by young, jovial Glory Zacharia. If it is your lucky day, you might find pre-recorded keyboard music accompanying the lovely Kiswahili praises. You get to see how this congregation loves the Lord as they open their hearts to pray and cry out before the lord, shouting like the “mad” Hannah/Eli/ Samuel story of the Bible. People stand up to give testimonies about the great things our dear Lord has done to them during the week.

What makes this congregation stand out is the one armed lady-Mama Remi, who regardless of the imbalance caused by the loss of her one arms twelve years ago in a road accident, jumps and dances more than-the famous Mzungu the young African generation calls J-Lo. You can see joy in her heart as she sings and jumps.

It will encourage you if you get to know her more. She is a widow who lives with her grandson. She stays around 30 minutes away from the church but each Sunday she walks with her grandson there-occasionally falling during the rainy season.

The last time the team was here-she was visited and received a food basket which Africa Harvest of Hope likes to do for widows, orphans and needy families. For years, she has been having problems getting water. She does not have water in her house, but, has to walk to a tap and haul back buckets of water for cooking, cleaning and bathing. It’s very hard with two arms, but so much more with only one. We are happy to report that before the team left last December, God blessed her through Terry and his church and Africa Harvest of Hope, with the funds needed to have water piped into her house. We went to the water company to pay the fees and soon she will be having running water in her house. We thank God for what He can do to those who are faithful. We cannot install running water to every widow in Moshi, but we can start with one and make a difference to her. We would love for you to help us, to make the love of God be known in Moshi by supporting Africa Harvest of Hope’s ministry so we can bless others in need.

A Celebration

Last Sunday was our first service back at Yesu Anaweza after being gone a couple weeks in Kenya. It felt so nice to be back. We didn't know it before, but it ended up being a special service for a couple reasons. First was there was a group from the US visiting. They are working with Global Effect and were visiting different churches in the area. They performed a short drama and spoke to the church, encouraging them in the Lord.

Second was because a couple went before the church declaring their intention to marry. There was a ton of hooting, hollering, ay-yi-yi's and whistling coming from the church during the announcement. It gave everyone a chance to pray for them. It was really special to be there for that because of who it involved. When we first started at Yesu Anaweza (over a year ago), I talked to the ladies about waiting for a Godly man. As we get older, it's tempting to settle for someone even if they don't share our beliefs because we are scared of being single forever. I don't want that for any woman. I encouraged them to be faithful to the Lord and let Him direct them to the man they should be with.

I didn't know it at the time, but there was a lady at church who was thinking about marrying a man who was nice, but didn't have the same beliefs. She is young and has been married before, but sadly her husband passed away a few months after they married. Making it worse, she delivered their baby several months later and the baby died at birth. Despite these tragic events, her faith is so strong and she is very bright and willing to serve. A while ago, she asked me to pray for a Godly man. A few months ago, I was excited when she told me she found a great guy who loves the Lord. Now that they made a public announcement, it's offical and they will marry in a few months.

After the service, I was told this happened because of my teaching. This sweet lady may have married the wrong man had I not encouraged her to stay strong. Now, I am not bragging or taking any credit for this. That all belongs to the Lord. I just wanted to share it because it's neat to see answered prayers. Also, it's wonderful to see what happens when we surrender our own desires and obey the Lord. His plans are WAY better than ours. Waiting for His timing is hard, but it's always best.

I can't wait for the wedding!

Exploring

Since getting the car, we have been able to explore more of Moshi. The other day we got lost and ended up on prison land. Ooops! On the way, though, we saw a cool bridge over river only about 10 minutes from our house. It was so beautiful. I love finding surprises like that!

New Gadgets

Recently we have been blessed with a couple much needed gadgets for Eli. First was a car seat, courtesy of the Reeds. It been so helpful and of course more safe for Eli. Car seats are not available here so we were so happy one was able to come with the team in December.



Second was a high chair. Suzy (George's sister) gave it to us. Her daughter doesn't need it anymore. A high chair is another thing we can't get here. We tried to have one made, but the quotes were way too high. As a result, Eli wasn't a good eater. He never learned to sit and eat a meal. We had to chase him around to get him to eat. The high chair has already been a big help.



Thanks guys!

Built in Baby Sitters

One of the great things about being with family, was having built in baby sitters. In Moshi, we have never left Eli with anyone. Not even for 10 minutes. He is always with us. Not because he or we couldn't handle it, but because we didn't have anyone to leave him with. For the first time, in Kisumu we left Eli in the care of family. The first time was because George and I had to go to the hospital to support a family member who was there. Eli stayed at the house to play with Adi, Ken and Andrew. The report was he did great, but it felt so strange to be without him.

One evening, George stayed with Eli so Suzy and I could have a girls night out. We had a wild night. Just kidding! We went to dinner, then went to the grocery store and were home by 9:30. That's what makes a wild night for a couple of old moms I guess! Again, it felt weird to be without Eli. I left after putting him to bed and I knew he was fine with George, but it was odd! We had a really nice time, though. Suzy is my closest friend here and I miss her when we are in Moshi. She is the best host and so funny. We love to cook and bake together. We made an awesome carrot cake and red velvet cake (both from scratch). We can talk about serious things and laugh about silly things. In Moshi, I don't have anyone like that. This was much needed girl time. It gets lonely in Moshi sometimes. During this trip, George got to spend time with his friends too. It was good for both of us.

Another night, George and I got out for a date night. We put Eli to bed and then slipped out for dinner. This was our first time out alone in 16 1/2 months! Again, it was a much needed time out.

We loved being around family. It was sad to leave and has been an adjustment being back just for a few days. It makes me happy seeing Eli bond with family and then I feel sad knowing he won't see them for a long time.



Eli loved when Grandpa drove up because he lets the kids play in his car.)



(There was never a lack of playmates.)



(Playing in Lake Victoria)

New Years

For New Years, we traveled with George's family to their rural home in Kendu Bay. Most people who live in the city, have a home on their family's land in the rural village they grew up in. On New Years Eve, a bunch of us loaded up the cars and headed "upcountry." We arrived mid-day and had time to get set up. On family land, the male children inherit a portion. Girls don't inherit any. It is assumed they will stay on their husband's land. Traditionally, each male builds a "simba" which is a simple starter home, often made of mud and cement. So, we all spread out to find the place we would sleep. Because there were a lot of us, we had to share spaces. I shared a room with Eli, Suzy and Adi. George and Andrew camped out in the yard. The younger boys all went to one of the simbas. No doubt that was the party house! Others claimed spots in the main house.

The rest of the time was spent hanging out, eating, laughing, playing games and having fun. Eli loved it there because there was a nice dog to pet (Usually dogs are not safe to pet. Because Eli is used to Nala, it's challenge to keep him away from dogs.), chickens to chase, cows to watch and dirt piles to play in. What more is there to want? After dinner, I hit the hay. Eli had been waking up very early every day (before 6:00am) so I was beat. This was one of the first years in a long time that I didn't stay up until midnight. I was bummed, but I just had to sleep. Unfortunately, the walls of the rooms don't go up to the ceiling so even with ear plugs, I could hear everyone laughing and the music blaring until the wee hours of the morning!

The next day we hung out more before packing up and returning to Kisumu. It was a great way to celebrate the New Year.

Out and About

While in Kenya, we had a big to do list. We had so much we needed to do. In addition to spending time with family and friends, we needed to do stuff that we can't do in Tanzania like seeing a doctor, getting labs done, getting medicine, etc. One day, we traveled to Kericho to visit the hospital George used to work at before he went to Sudan. He has a good relationship with his former co-workers and administrators and trusts the work they do. There, we were able to see a doctor and ask about a variety of things and do some labs as well. It was nice to get some answers while being able to visit with old friends.

Another day, we went to Kakamega to visit George's other "parents," Charles and Emily. Charles was his former high school teacher who discipled him in the Lord and took George in. He and Emily became like parents to him. They were the ones who walked me down the aisle at our wedding in the absence of my family. I really admire Charles and Emily. Their faith is so strong. They work so hard and devote their free time to ministry. It was nice to spend time with them. We left feeling loved and encouraged.

Please Buy Us Christmas

(Often when we speak of George's family, we are referring to the Okech Family who took him in. But this time, we are referring to his biological family which is his brother and sister. They, too, had a very difficult life when their parents died.)


"Uncle, Uncle, please buy us Christmas."

These were the first words George's four neices and nephews said to him as they greeted him for the first time since we arrived in Kisumu. It broke his heart and mine when he told me about it. It's hard for George to see them struggle like he did as a child. Their family often struggles to get money for food, medicine and school fees. We help out as much as we can, but we can't meet all their needs. We feel helpless being so far away from them. We decided since we were there, we would try to give them the Christmas they were hoping for. For them, when they say "buy us Christmas" it means getting food for Christmas dinner and a new outfit. We agreed to not get gifts for each other and Eli. We have all we need. Instead we would use it for these kids. One day, we picked up all the kids and bought them shoes. One of the boys was wearing shoes so small, his toes hung completely over the edge. We bought them each casual shoes and dress shoes which can be used as school shoes.



(Eli sat down to be measured too!)

Then, we also did grocery shopping so they would have food Christmas day. Later, George went to a second hand market and bought the kids clothes. We hope that this helped make their Christmas day special and gave them something to distract them from the hard days they face.

As we look to the future and see how we can help them, we are committed to making sure they stay in school. In Kenya, the best way to help a child is to pay their school fees. School isn't free and many kids aren't able to go to school because their parents simply can't afford it. They barely have money for food and there isn't anything else left. Without an education, chances for a bright future are dim. The cost for school isn't very much. Here are the fees George's neices and nephews have to pay (which is what the average Kenyan kid would have to pay).

Enrollment Fee 800Ksh
Term Fee 1500ksh (3 terms per year)
2 School Uniforms 1200 ksh
Books, Pencils, Paper and other Supplies - 1000 tsh

Total per year - 7500ksh which is about $100.

$100 per year isn't much to us in the US, but to many Kenyans, it is a fortune. And this is for the cheapest schools. Other schools cost more. And the cost increases once the kids go to High School. We hope we can keep George's neices and nephews in school. It's so important. We would love to find sponsors for the kids. I think World Vision and Compassion charge $30 per month. But for $10 per month, we can make sure they are able to go to school.

If you would like to help us put these four kids in school, we would be so thankful. It would take a huge burden off George's shoulders as he struggles to give them a bright future. As an orphan, he knows what it is like to have to come up with his own school fees. It is a concern no child should have to worry about. If we can get these children food to eat and school fees paid, their quality of life would greatly improve. These are kids who have had to pitch in to survive. The oldest two walking the streets picking up scrap metal to collect and sell. It breaks our hearts that we can't do more to help, but we do what we can and leave the rest in God's hands. After all, He loves them more than we do.

If you would be interested in sponsoring one of the kids in school, you can email me: spacie19@hotmail.com. We can send you photos of them, give you updates on their school progress and let you know how to pray for them.

Title Deed

For months, we have been working on getting the title deed to George's portion of his family's land. It has been a long and hard process. Being so far away has made it more difficult to get it done. Fortnately, George was able to pick up the deed shortly after Christmas. It's officially ours! Why is it so important? Although God has us in Tanzania, we can't forget about the needs in Kenya. Especially in George's home village. We want to honor the Lord's call on our lives to be in Tanzania and try to help out people in Kenya too, as we are able. The village is far from a big city and there isn't a clinic nearby. Many minor illnesses and injuries end up as something serious or in death because they aren't treated early. Simple things cause kids to die every day. Even if they can walk to the hospital, it is so far it takes mamy hours to get there. We don't know exactly what we can do there, but we are thinking maybe a small clinic and/or an orphanage. Getting the title deed was the first step in doing something there. It may be a while before anything happens, but we are happy it's done and now we are saying, "Ok, Lord... this is yours. We will wait on Your will. Do with it whatever You want."

To Be Continued...

Christmas in Kenya

Christmas in Kenya is very different than in the US. Actually, that statement is only partly true. The reason for celebrating and being with family is the same, but the build up is different. Because Kenya is a third world country, gifts are not a part of Christmas. At all. As a result, there is not the huge commercial push that we experience in the US. Now, I LOVE Christmas in the US. I love to buy gifts.... starting on Black Friday. Yes, I was one of the crazy folks out at 3:00am. I love Christmas decorations and Christmas music. I love it all. Some resist it because they feel like it detracts from the reason we have Christmas... celebrating Jesus' birth. And I can see their point. But, I think it enhances the celebration and draws it out. From Thanksgiving to December 25th, I love that Christmas is in the air. I have been away for the last five Christmases so I really miss it.

In Kenya, Christmas means a nice dinner with family. If you are lucky, you may have a new outfit to wear. You may see a random Christmas decoration, but it's not everywhere. Occasionally you may hear a Christmas song, but it's rare. So, when Christmas came, it just felt like.... Wednesday. When I first woke up, I felt a little blah. It felt like any other day. I had to remind myself that Jesus is enough. He is everything on Christmas and the reason for it! As the day went on, it started to feel more like Christmas. George and I went to the store with Eli to pick up a few things. After I checked out, I went out to the front to look for George and Eli. First I heard a bell jingling and kids screaming. I looked up the stairs to see Santa! Not the typical one we see in the US, pot belly and rosy red cheeks. But a thin, tall Santa with skin to match the kids who surrounded him. He carried a small bag full of candy. The kids rushed him with their hands out to receive their little treat. I laughed when I saw in the middle of little dark hands, was a light brown one. George was in the mix, holding up Eli who eagerly reached out for his candy. I think it made Santa laugh too because Eli got the first one. I know it's silly, but seeing Santa, made it feel like Christmas. Not the spiritual one we celebrate, but the US one I grew up in and cherish.

When we got back to Suzy's house, it felt more and more like Christmas as people arrived. Slowly, more members of the family arrived. For lunch we had beans and chapati (like a fried tortilla). Then we all hung out as dinner was prepared. For dinner, Suzy and Andrew wanted to serve something different. Usually on Christmas, families will cook chicken, beef, goat or fish. They decided to serve rabbit! The day before, George and a few others scrambled to find rabbit. George's friend knew where he could get them. So, they came with four rabbits. ALIVE!!!!! They were SO cute and adorable. It was tragic to see them being led out back, one by one, to be slaughtered. I had no desire to participate in that. George and Andrew took care of the dirty work.

By the time evening came, we sat down for a yummy dinner. All the family was there so it was quite a party. In Kenya, a party includes loud music and dancing. Kenyans know how to dance!!! After dinner, Mom and Dad went home, but all the kids remained and the dancing continued. At one point I looked in the living room and saw Eli dancing in the middle of everyone. By the end of the day, it really did feel like Christmas. I was able to reflect on Jesus and enjoy being with my Kenyan family.

Travel Bugs

Sorry Amy... this is a short one too!!!! I intended to get back and jump into catching up with a bang, but we all have been sick since our return. Eli had a high fever for a couple days and it looks like I have strep throat again. Eli tested negative for malaria, but the test kit we have only tests for the most common strain. We decided to treat him for it in case he has one of the other malaria strains. Fortunately, he has improved a lot today. We just got some medicine for me so I should be better soon. George has also been fatigued and not feeling well. I think we are all run down from the busyness and long car rides in Kenya. We would love your prayers for a return to good health for all of us.

Stories from Kenya to come... I promise!

Back in Moshi

After a 12 hour drive, we made it back to Moshi last night! Now that we have our internet access back, I will catch up on what we did in Kenya. Just wanted you to know we are alive and well!