We arrived in Kisumu safely and quickly. It was our fastest time yet, 11 hours. Since we traveled on a Sunday, there was no traffic in Nairobi so we flew right through. We have become experts at border crossing so that was a breeze as well.
That’s the good news.
As far as the rest of our trip, it has been full of trials. We really need your prayers right now. Our trip got off on the wrong foot the day before we left. As we were in town making final arrangements for our departure, George was pick pocketed and his wallet was stolen. In it was our ID, our ATM card and our recently withdrawn trip money. It was completely devastating. What made it more shocking is that pick pocketing in Nairobi is common and expected, but very rare in Moshi. Immediately we knew it was a spiritual attack. Fortunately, a friend of ours loaned us money to get to Kisumu and my mom was able to send us some funds. We still don’t have enough to cover costs here, but we are trusting the Lord to provide somehow.
Since then, other things have happened which has frustrated and complicated the arrangements we are working on for the camp. One involves our car. In Kenya, you cannot pump your own gas so you have to wait for a gas attendant to do it for you. Today, one made a big mistake. He put diesel in our car instead of regular premium petrol. You may be aware that this can be completely damaging to an engine. We didn’t notice until we attempted to drive off… and couldn’t. We had a car full of people and had to call a taxi to get to our destination while George worked on the car. He was able to find a friend and workers at the gas station to fix the car. They first insisted on being paid a lot of money. Fortunately, George didn’t have to pay it in the end. The gas station also gave him new fuel (regular this time). We are waiting to see if there is any lasting damage
Later in the day, Eli fell on the rim of a bucket and got a black eye. In addition, mosquitoes here are out of control and we are covered in bites. Other things have happened, but I don’t want to go on and on about them.
I just want to ask for your prayers. We feel like it has been one trial after another. The only reason we can think why all this is happening is because the enemy knows God has something good in the works and he is trying to stop those plans. When we feel discouraged, we have been turning to the Lord for help and peace. Keeping our eyes on Him and knowing who He is has kept us going.
Here are our prayer needs at this time:
1. That NO more bad things would happen as we continue to prepare for the medical camp. That the enemy’s attempts would be thwarted.
2. For good health - specifically no malaria from our many bites.
3. For Eli - He is having a hard time adjusting to being away from home. He really thrives in his routine. The three of us are sharing a room in a house with more noise than he his used to which is difficult for him since he is a light sleeper. He has been crankier and naughtier than normal and is just not himself.
4. For our car to run well
5. For our money to last
6. For the two day pastors training starting tomorrow. For unity among the leaders and attendees who come from different congregations, tribes and areas of the country.
7. For all the rest of the arrangements we have to do for the camp.
8. Encouragement for our spirits. For me, I have been feeling very sick from stress and anxiety.
I know it’s a lot and I am so thankful you guys love us and are willing to lift up our needs before the Lord. I will update you on things as I am able.
To God Be the Glory!!!!
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Friday, July 25, 2014
Off to Kenya
We are getting ready to go to Kenya. Just wanted to let you know that I don't know if we'll be able to check email or blog while we are gone. If we can, I'll do a few updates. Otherwise, consider no news to be good news and we'll write when we get back to Moshi. Pray for us!
Thursday, July 24, 2014
23 Months
A few days ago, Eli turned 23 months. Nothing too new happened this past month except that his speech continues to develop quickly. He is speaking in sentences now and really tries hard to say things right. He says things all the time that cracks us up. At night I sing songs to him and he'll say "skip" which means he wants me to sing another song. He also loves to sing, "Kumbayah" is his favorite right now. He is fearless and friendly and continues to be a delight... 95% of the time. The other 5% includes consistent struggles - throwing food down and pouring out drinks. It drives me nuts!!!! Here are a few photos from this last month.
He can be naughty if left unsupervised. Can you see what he did? He pulled apart my whisk. At least he is honest... so far. If I ask him if he did something, he says proudly, "yes."
One day I found that he had drawn on his face with a pen. It wasn't until I changed him later that I noticed he drew on his stomach and legs too.
I love this photo. George likes him to be dressed nicely when we leave the house. One day, I didn't want to change him and he was dressed in random, mis-matched clothes. George would have fainted if he was out with us! I laughed when I showed him the picture later. Eli was quite proud of his outfit.
Eli likes to color. He holds the pen really well and can draw a decent circle.
Two things he loves: his little chair and his bike. What's better than that? Put them together!
Can't believe next month he'll be two!
He can be naughty if left unsupervised. Can you see what he did? He pulled apart my whisk. At least he is honest... so far. If I ask him if he did something, he says proudly, "yes."
One day I found that he had drawn on his face with a pen. It wasn't until I changed him later that I noticed he drew on his stomach and legs too.
I love this photo. George likes him to be dressed nicely when we leave the house. One day, I didn't want to change him and he was dressed in random, mis-matched clothes. George would have fainted if he was out with us! I laughed when I showed him the picture later. Eli was quite proud of his outfit.
Eli likes to color. He holds the pen really well and can draw a decent circle.
Two things he loves: his little chair and his bike. What's better than that? Put them together!
Can't believe next month he'll be two!
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
July Newsletter
Hello all!
We pray this finds you well. Our computers are giving us trouble so we aren’t able to use our normal newsletter template. So, here is a brief update of what this next month holds.
We are going to Kenya in a few days for three weeks to do a medical camp in George’s home village. A team with Agape Project International is coming from the US to put on the medical camp. We have worked with them twice before and love what they do. All but one team member from last summer’s team is coming again and we are thrilled to see them again. They do two camps a year in Kenya and we are honored they are doing one in George’s village. The village is in a very poor area and is in much need of medical help. We anticipate 1500 people will receive free treatment and have the opportunity to hear the gospel. The camp is one week long so the first two weeks we are in Kenya, we’ll be doing preparation for the camp. We have a lot to do including: making sure the hotel is set up for the team of 22, arranging the pastor’s training, finding enough tables and chairs for the camp, getting supplies for and finding someone to cook lunches for the team, getting translators to come for the week, meeting with the ministry of health officers and many other things. We also have to do personal things that we can’t do in Tanzania like see doctors, get medicine, renew my residency, and get a few supplies. Before we leave, we would love your prayers for the following items:
1. API Team - Safety as the team travels from the US and good health and sleep while in Kenya
2. Our Car - Good gas mileage and no breakdowns
3. Camp preparations - that we’ll get everything done in time so the camp goes smoothly
4. That many people would feel God’s love as they come for treatment
5. Funds - for the expenses of the camp, both on our end and API’s side.
Hopefully next month, we’ll be back to our normal newsletter. We’ll update you on how the camp went as well as what God is doing in Moshi and with the orphanage plans.
God Bless you all this coming month! Thank you for your prayers and support!
Love,
The Orwas
We pray this finds you well. Our computers are giving us trouble so we aren’t able to use our normal newsletter template. So, here is a brief update of what this next month holds.
We are going to Kenya in a few days for three weeks to do a medical camp in George’s home village. A team with Agape Project International is coming from the US to put on the medical camp. We have worked with them twice before and love what they do. All but one team member from last summer’s team is coming again and we are thrilled to see them again. They do two camps a year in Kenya and we are honored they are doing one in George’s village. The village is in a very poor area and is in much need of medical help. We anticipate 1500 people will receive free treatment and have the opportunity to hear the gospel. The camp is one week long so the first two weeks we are in Kenya, we’ll be doing preparation for the camp. We have a lot to do including: making sure the hotel is set up for the team of 22, arranging the pastor’s training, finding enough tables and chairs for the camp, getting supplies for and finding someone to cook lunches for the team, getting translators to come for the week, meeting with the ministry of health officers and many other things. We also have to do personal things that we can’t do in Tanzania like see doctors, get medicine, renew my residency, and get a few supplies. Before we leave, we would love your prayers for the following items:
1. API Team - Safety as the team travels from the US and good health and sleep while in Kenya
2. Our Car - Good gas mileage and no breakdowns
3. Camp preparations - that we’ll get everything done in time so the camp goes smoothly
4. That many people would feel God’s love as they come for treatment
5. Funds - for the expenses of the camp, both on our end and API’s side.
Hopefully next month, we’ll be back to our normal newsletter. We’ll update you on how the camp went as well as what God is doing in Moshi and with the orphanage plans.
God Bless you all this coming month! Thank you for your prayers and support!
Love,
The Orwas
Friday, July 4, 2014
Happy Fourth of July!
We had a wonderful fourth of July. I actually forgot it was the 4th until I got a call in the afternoon inviting us to a 4th of July party with a bunch of Americans that are living or visiting in the area. The person that invited us told us not to bring anything, just to show up. She said there would be tons of side dishes, drinks and desserts. There would also be grills set up if we wanted to grill meat. Although the party was only an hour and a half away, she said she had already RSVP’d for us in good faith. Fortunately, our afternoon was free so we were able to go.
Man, I am glad we went. I was a little hesitant because I can be shy sometimes, but it was nothing less than fabulous. There must have been 75 people there and a lot of kids of all ages. I had no idea there were so many Americans in or near Moshi. There were a few people of other nationalities as well. Most people were decked out in red, white and blue. We don’t have any American flag attire so we dressed in the next best thing… our Chargers gear! (Thanks Mom!)
Before eating, everyone gathered to say the Pledge of Allegiance and sing our national anthem. It was very special and touching. It gave me goose bumps. Being so far from home, one especially appreciates all the good things about the USA that can be taken for granted at times.
Next came the food. Oh my…. What an awesome spread - salads, potatoes, and the best homemade baked beans I have ever had. After food there were games like potato sack races and musical hats. Eli had a blast jumping in his sack. George participated in the men’s round. I was happy to cheer him on! Then came dessert. Goodness gracious…. It was incredible. People baked the most delicious treats - cookies, cakes, brownies, apple pie and lots more. George doesn’t like sweets, but I gave him a pep talk and told him to load up! My sweet husband came back with a plate piled high with goodies for me to take home. I was so proud.
By 7:00, we had to go. Eli was already up past his bedtime and I didn’t want him to melt down. I was bummed we had to leave because they were going to do fireworks! Yes… fireworks! I think they had sparklers and a few other fun, simple ones. Hopefully next year we can see them. I was excited to hear this is an annual party.
Most holidays I feel a little down in the dumps, missing home. Usually the day goes by with no celebration and it just feels strange. This year, though was amazing. One lady from New Zealand asked, “what would you be doing in the US today?” and I said “Exactly this. Food, hanging out, games and fireworks.” It was a little piece of home here in Moshi. It was a joy and honor to be there. Plus we met a lot of other people in the missionary community (although not everyone there was one). I came home with a heart bursting with thanks for the Lord and my country.
Happy 4th of July!
Man, I am glad we went. I was a little hesitant because I can be shy sometimes, but it was nothing less than fabulous. There must have been 75 people there and a lot of kids of all ages. I had no idea there were so many Americans in or near Moshi. There were a few people of other nationalities as well. Most people were decked out in red, white and blue. We don’t have any American flag attire so we dressed in the next best thing… our Chargers gear! (Thanks Mom!)
Before eating, everyone gathered to say the Pledge of Allegiance and sing our national anthem. It was very special and touching. It gave me goose bumps. Being so far from home, one especially appreciates all the good things about the USA that can be taken for granted at times.
Next came the food. Oh my…. What an awesome spread - salads, potatoes, and the best homemade baked beans I have ever had. After food there were games like potato sack races and musical hats. Eli had a blast jumping in his sack. George participated in the men’s round. I was happy to cheer him on! Then came dessert. Goodness gracious…. It was incredible. People baked the most delicious treats - cookies, cakes, brownies, apple pie and lots more. George doesn’t like sweets, but I gave him a pep talk and told him to load up! My sweet husband came back with a plate piled high with goodies for me to take home. I was so proud.
By 7:00, we had to go. Eli was already up past his bedtime and I didn’t want him to melt down. I was bummed we had to leave because they were going to do fireworks! Yes… fireworks! I think they had sparklers and a few other fun, simple ones. Hopefully next year we can see them. I was excited to hear this is an annual party.
Most holidays I feel a little down in the dumps, missing home. Usually the day goes by with no celebration and it just feels strange. This year, though was amazing. One lady from New Zealand asked, “what would you be doing in the US today?” and I said “Exactly this. Food, hanging out, games and fireworks.” It was a little piece of home here in Moshi. It was a joy and honor to be there. Plus we met a lot of other people in the missionary community (although not everyone there was one). I came home with a heart bursting with thanks for the Lord and my country.
Happy 4th of July!
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