Monday, October 26, 2015

The Little Things.....

Greetings from the land of the sun!  I don't recall that there has ever been a day in Kisumu since we came that was cloudy all day.  We've been having rain almost every day but mornings are always sunny.  We rejoice with the nationals who are happy because of the rain that is watering recently planted crops.  We were a bit chilly last weekend when we were in Nakuru.  Socks and sweaters felt good.  We very much enjoyed our weekend with Tonys and Rachel.  Tonys definitely have a different life there than they had here in Kisumu. They are the only Mennonites in their compound but they're within walking distance of the other Nakuru families and the school, so thats really nice for them.  They have a 2 story house and have done a beautiful job of fixing it up, furnishing, and decorating it.  Judith has a unique way of decorating with very simple things.  The cheery paint colors on the walls add a lot too.  We had a relaxing visit... we ladies spent some time cutting out flannelgraph pictures while Tony, Wayne, and the little boys worked on hooking up a water tank outside.  We also walked over to Jamie's school and took pictures.  Mahlon and Ruth lived in the house that is now the school around 15 yrs. ago.  Its very interesting to see the changes that have taken place in Kenya since we were here to visit Mahlons in 2000.  On Sunday Wayne preached at the Engashura church.  Marcus Burkholder was scheduled to preach there but when he heard that we were planning to be there he asked Wayne to preach.  We enjoyed the Engashura folks.  When Wayne told them that he knows Randy Lapp (their former pastor), it caused some ripples in the audience.  It was obvious that people loved their pastor!!  After a delicious lunch of chicken, rice, and beans, and even cheesecake for dessert!! we headed home again.  We had a fairly uneventful 3 hr. drive.  There is some awesome scenery along the way.  We took a different route than missionaries have often taken over the years.  The road is very nice except for many speed bumps some places.  We drove through some mountainous places that reminded us of scenery you would see out west in the U.S., especially Phoenix.  
When we got home we were blessed with a tote full of goodies that my dear sisters, Ruth and Marla, sent over for us with Marlin Stoltzfus'.  Some of the items they sent were things that I wished I had brought along from home.  It was delightful to have a "touch of home".  Thanks a million!!!!!  Another huge blessing when we walked in the door that night was a brand new fridge!  We had been told soon after we came that ours will be replaced sometime soon.  The old one didn't cool well and it was a "power waster."  I constantly had to wipe up puddles of water inside too which was rather annoying.  We feel indebted to all of you across the "pond" who take care of our needs here.  When we first came to Kenya the adjustments were huge... such as the lack of conveniences, no microwave or recliners, water troubles, lack of hot water, etc.  I guess we were just way too spoiled in our new house at home.  But the longer we are here the more I realize how VERY blessed we are and I feel unworthy to say the least!  I'm finding joy in little things.  No, my house is far from fancy, but its amazing how simple little things, like cute little clay pots, that we bought for less than a dollar each, can make my day. We spray painted them black and now they look so pretty with ornamental grasses in them.  Some cheery hedge flowers in my kitchen can really add color and cheer my day.  Clarissa has blessed me many times with her creativity. She has made all kinds of things out of toilet paper rolls! :)  Little things... like power when we really need it is something to thank God for!!  Our power has been going off almost every day, at any hour, and for several minutes at a time or for hours at a time.  I feel blessed when its there for us when we need it!  It can be stressful when I have something in the oven that is partly baked... I'm so thankful for Marji who is next door with a gas oven and she so kindly allows me to use it.  Another little thing that has been a huge blessing to us is a good sized rug that we have in our living room that we brought along from America.  Its the softest spot on the floor anywhere in this house and we use it SO much!  I think I've been more thankful for this lil rug than I ever was for our wall to wall carpet at home.  Yes, the little things in life make a BIG difference!!  Our compound family has done many "little" things for us to show us that they care in our time of adjusting and language classes here.  They have all become very special to us!!  
This past week was a special time for the men and boys of the Nakuru and Kisumu units.  They all went to Wendo... a beautiful place not far from Nakuru to go camping. There are also indoor games to play, etc.  They reported a good time but sad to say it rained a lot of the time and the night in the tents was quite miserable for some.  Poor Wayne only got about an hour of sleep that night. :(  But in spite of it all they seemed to have great fellowship.  We ladies took advantage of this time to do some special things as well, such as shopping, partying at Becky's house, and swimming at a large pool!  Shopping at the market was quite an experience!!  Its the largest market in Kenya and one of the largest in Africa!  There were so many amazing sights to see that I wanted to just look and look, but I had to constantly be looking down to see where I was walking because there was mud, food scraps, and all kinds of junk, to detour around.  Sometimes I wanted to hold my nose and sometimes my ears!! Vendors were overly eager to sell to us!!  Once I heard someone say, "Welcome to Kenya!! Americans, Welcome"!!  The sun was hot and it was so chaotic that I was glad when it was time to go but OH, what an experience!!  Some of these things are just priceless!!  And so much fun to do with friends!!  We ate at Java House then, partly in honor of Cynthia who will be leaving us soon. :(  We are sad to think of Jasons leaving... they have done much for us and trained us in well... not pushing too hard and yet covering the bases well.  We are starting to feel the weight of the responsibility ahead of us.  Very soon we will be on our own here and we need the wisdom of God so much to know how to meet the needs at Lela.  Please pray for us!!  We had a blessed time at Bible study on Wed. afternoon at Wellington and Benter's house. These people are becoming familiar and more dear to our hearts all the time. After leaving Wellington's house we went to a chemist and Jason got some medicine for an orphan who we found out about who had a staph infection in his foot.  The Dr. sent him home with only pain killers!!  I was horrified!!! It seems its important to have at least some medical knowledge before coming here because sometimes you kind of have to be your own Dr.  
  On Sunday we had Communion at Lela.  I helped fill lil cups with juice like I was used to at home but in a VERY different setting!!  We use chapatis for the bread so its really nice not to need to make unleavened bread!  Bishop Marlin was there and preached a good message for us.  At the end of the service Wayne and I stood up front while Marlin officially charged Wayne to be the new pastor at Lela.  It was touching... and oh such a responsibility has been handed to us!! God help us to make wise decisions and to be what these people need! We feel like the church is accepting us well and that means a lot!  They will miss Jason and Cynthia very much!!!! After church Marlins, Jasons, Carolyn, and us were together for lunch.  In the eve. we were all invited to Deans for finger foods and fellowship.  Jason shared some of the things he has learned here during their 4 yrs. of service.  Very interesting!!
 God bless your day!  Clara




This is how Brad and buddies hang up their "trunks"!

Chy and Nessa making chips on the jiko
Leadership transfer at Lela

Story time with Rachel in our yard

Judith, Rachel, Clara and Shonda relaxing!!!

Tony's House

Nakuru School house (where Mahlon's lived)

Pumping water for feet washing at church


Miss Carolyn with children after Bible Study

Kenya hillbilly!!  Christian Wagler

Girls tea party at Tommy's


Life in Luo Land



Greetings from Kisumu!!  It feels like its been a while since I wrote.  Thanks to all of you that have been praying for us especially over the difficult time when Dad was in the hospital.  I'll admit I had some very tough days and really struggled with God's call to Kenya.  Yes we felt peace about coming but then when things happen at home (or don't happen), such as Dad in the hospital, our house still not rented, etc. it makes me question whether we really did the right thing.  But we have committed all to God again, and since we are here we may as well make the best of it and trust God to take care of everybody and everything at home.  We definitely feel needed and well accepted here but there is NO PLACE LIKE HOME!! I feel very responsible to take care of our parents too and its a very helpless feeling to be so far away and unable to do anything except pray. For those who don't know... Dad is fighting an e-coli infection in his blood. It appears that the infection came from the kidneys or somewhere in abdomen area. We are SO grateful that Dad is out of the hospital and doing fairly well now.  Our hearts go out to Marlin and Lavina in the loss of her father.  What a shock it must've been for them.  We're so glad they were able go go home for the funeral.  They plan to be back in Kisumu by tomorrow eve.  We are so ready to have them back!!!
  Rejoice with us!!!!!  Language classes are over!!!!!!!!!!!  :)   I can't tell you how relieved I am and its amazing what all can be accomplished in a day without spending 4 hrs. in class.  We still try to study Luo words every day... I certainly don't want to lose everything we have learned. What a shame that would be.  I was inspired by one of the Nakuru ladies... people say Debbie Miller knows Swahili quite well and its because she spends about 15 minutes a day studying.  I think I need to do that with Luo because I was reminded again today at Bible study that if I don't know how to communicate with them at least a bit in their language, I won't get very far with relationships. :(  Please pray that we could be a blessing here at Lela.  It kind of scares me to have Jason and Cynthia leave next month.  They do an excellent job of passing on the torch (training us in) but its unreal how much there is to learn. There are all the church folks names to remember and all their places to find... out in the bush. There are unique cultural practices to learn, and oh!! Driving in Kenya is quite an experience!!!!!  I don't know when I'll have the nerve to try it.  Lavina waited 7 or 8 months I think.  I'm limited to only a few vehicles in the compound because most of them are standard shift.  I don't know how to drive standard and Kenya would be the most awful place to learn how!!!!!!!  It will be a wonder if the left side of our van doesn't have a hole worn through the floor from me "braking" for Wayne by the time we leave!  I have finally gotten the hang of getting into the left side of the vehicle when we go somewhere.  I used to always go to the wrong side!  Wayne definitely has the hang of driving already!  He drives like a Kenyan! :(  :)  Ya'll pray for us!!  We have some amazing rides!  Today we came up to a place where the road was blocked and so we "blutzed" through a ditch and through someone's yard and then held our breaths again while we bounced through another ditch and onto the road.  Whew!!  These vehicles go places we'd never dream of taking our American vans through... only 4 wheel drive trucks.  
   Wayne is out with Jasons visiting church folks again today.  We were out on Tues. as well and yesterday afternoon we had Bible study at a native home. We were served mandazis and chai everywhere we went.  I decided to stay home today since we need to get ready to host prayer meeting at our house tonight and tomorrow we plan to head for Nakuru to see where Tonys live!!  :)  We are excited about that!!  We plan to stay til Sun.  Rachel plans to go with us and we're happy about that too!  
     As I mentioned before, one thing we love about Kenya is the way we can almost "live" outside. My washing machine is outside the back door and we also eat most of our evening meals on the carport.  There haven't been any days since we came that I couldn't dry laundry.  Even if it rains afternoons there is still plenty of time to get stuff dry in the morning.  Big towels and jeans usually dry in several hours... such a blessing!!  Bradlyn spends a lot of time outside which is good because he has very few toys to play with here.  He mentioned recently that he would like to be back in America because of all the toys. :)  But I think he would really miss being able to be outside so much, especially winter times!!  Yesterday our girls were together with Tommys children making chips over the fire.  They peeled potatoes real thin and dipped them in salt and vinegar.  They say they were very good! :)  They are definitely making memories!  The girls seem happy here.... they really like their friends and are happy with the school teachers.  But one big adjustment is the different curriculum at school.  Their work load is a good bit heavier that it was at home. They have bigger Bible memory assignments, book reports, and also in order to be on the honor roll this quarter they must know all the States and Capitals.  Their teacher was surprised that they didn't know those before!  So that's something they've been working on in their limited spare time.  I guess I will need to get them up earlier mornings so they can study. Its not unusual for all 3 of them to have homework when they come home from school. By the way... Wayne was recently appointed to be the Principal here.  So I guess he's not getting a break from school here either. :)  I don't think he minds though. He enjoys being involved at school.  
  My little boy is begging for a story and its time to get some cleaning done!  Blessings to all of you!!  And many thanks for your prayers!!  Clara 

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Of Good and Evil.....

Tommy and Margie leaving for Bible study
Greetings to our friends on the other side of the "pond".  Well the great chicken slaughter is over for awhile again!  On Monday we were initiated into this experience.  We processed around 216 chickens from 6:00 - 9:00 a.m.!  Wow, what a bloody smelly mess!  Thank God for experienced hands to work with. After we were finished we enjoyed a great breakfast made by Barbara Jean. On Tuesday evening we tasted some of the fruits of our labors at Marlin Stoltzfus'.  The grilled chicken and mashed potatoes were wonderful! We survived another week of language ( 6 days) and we have 5 more days to go!!!!  No its actually not that bad... we enjoy Rosemary and we learn many cultural things from her as well so its definitely not time wasted.  We plan to go out to her house on Tues. and she plans to cook for us.  I want to make ugali and sukuma (sp.?) soon.  Maybe I will get to help her so I can learn from her.  We compound ladies enjoyed watching Josephine (our first language teacher) make ugali on the stovetop in Jake's house on Friday.  She doesn't measure ingredients... she says their eyes tell them when its the right amount of cornmeal.  We ate it with our fingers then and it was very edible!! :)  Rosemary has been telling us stories about the huge snakes they have seen at her house recently.  I think the one was a puff adder and the other two were huge pythons.  One eve. William was on his way to the cho in the dark and he saw a huge snake.  He killed it and then they burned it. The other day Rosemary's children were out by the well when they started screaming because there were two huge pythons playing with each other there.  Rosemary is terrified of snakes and just screams and screams when she sees them.  William wasn't home and even the big boys that were around there were too scared to kill them.  They watched them play for about a half hour and then they built fires to kind of trap the snakes because they had gone into tall grass or the hedge.  The one snake came out cause of the fire and the boys killed that one, but the other one was no where to be seen.  They finally gave up and Rosemary was pouring water from a jug onto the fire when suddenly the other python charged the bottom of the jug she was holding!  Rosemary was so terrified she just fell over backwards.  Her children quickly got her out of there and then the boys killed that one too.  I asked Rosemary what happens when someone gets bit by a snake since there are some extremely poisonous ones around. I was shocked when she said "you just die".   She says, "the hospitals don't have anti venom" either so there's nothing to do but trust God to protect us. (Which is what we want to do anyway.) Rosemary has already accidentally stepped on the head of a deadly snake and while she was screaming people were telling her to stay right there while they killed it.  The tail of the snake was hitting her leg while she was on the head. I guess if you need more to pray about you can include a prayer of protection from snakes. :)   Rosemary also told us about some brutal killings that have taken place in the last several weeks. We heard of at least 3 different ones.  Wayne also saw a man lying on the road who appeared to have just been hit. I don't know the story on that one... Three weeks ago a young man in the Lela area was caught by the mob and disposed of. He reportedly had abused a woman and slashed two men. Also, last week, out along the highway not too far from Rosemary's house someone found a body in a sack.  It was all cut up into pieces.  She didn't know the story on that one yet.  The people in the area did not seem to know the victim.  At the Rabour market on Wednesday, there was a man going to buy cows to pay dowry and while he was there someone shouted "thief", and the mob grabbed him.  Someone's piki piki (motorbike) had been stolen and the person who had it stolen saw this man and mistakenly thought he was the thief. They brutally killed him and gouged out his eyes. They also took off with around 35,000 shillings,  ($350 USD) that the man had on him.  So sad that the innocent one had to suffer!!  Please pray that the powers of darkness could be defeated here and the light of Jesus Christ could shine brightly.  The longer we are here the more we discover that even some church members still struggle with bowing to cultural practices over the Word of God.  Of course not all the cultural practices are wrong and evil.  Next to no one in this culture will deny that there are real evil powers that are active in the lives of people today.  Many of these people have for generations been in bondage to cultural practices that are "fear based" or used to appease the "spirits of dead ancestors".  May God give us wisdom to know what to accept in the culture and what is evil and satanic.  
  One day last week we found out about a 6 yr. old boy that comes to our church named, Sharif, who swallowed a shilling.  He was taken to the hospital because it was stuck in his throat but by the time they did the xray it had moved down into the stomach or wherever... The Dr. told him to eat plenty of bananas.  The boy seems to be doing fine... he was at church this morning but as far as his mother knows the shilling hasn't passed yet.  Wayne went to visit them one day and took this pic of the boy and a friend or brother.   
 I was so blessed again last week by friends who care and just seem to know when I'm in need of encouragement.  Barbara Jean is one of those special people.  I was having a hard day Thursday. We were taking care of Isaiah, Jason and Cynthia's 4 yr. old while they went to Uganda.  Isaiah is a very good, sweet lil guy but that morning he was really missing his family and started to cry.  I was sitting there holding him and trying to comfort him and then I just "lost it" too.  I guess I was homesick too and I was struggling so much with some of the inconveniences and things that just don't go right here.  I'm ashamed of myself... I know I shouldn't be longing for the  "leeks and garlics" but I guess I still have too much of America in my blood and its hard to forget what I used to have and enjoy.  When I think of what our Kenyan friends have compared to us I'm so ashamed of myself. But it seems I just can't make food taste right here.  The honey has a strong flavor so anything I make with that doesn't taste right.  Also the milk tastes more like a cow and so anything made with that tastes a little different too.  I just didn't think our pizza tasted right last night.  The funny thing is that when I eat other people's cooking it tastes SO good... like home.  Anyway... Barbara Jean came to my rescue Thurs. when I was really struggling and offered to make the hot dish for our meal that eve.  I was so touched by her kindness that I cried again and oh the food was so good!!  Her kindness will long be remembered!  
  We enjoyed having Tony at our house on Fri. eve.  I told him it just felt right to have him here but not with a suitcase.  Brian Wagler was here for supper that eve. as well and the next day Tony and Brian did a food drop.  It sounds like this will happen some more so we look forward to seeing Tony's once in a while.  We missed Judith and the children though!  Saturday evening Marlin's blessed us with some of their homemade raspberry ice cream!!  What a treat!! God bless ya'll with a good week!! Clara and Wayne





Bradlyn riding the gate separating our lawn from Tommys

Selfie with Sharif (on left) and a friend when I went to visit Friday.  The little guy in the middle got a huge kick out of seeing himself on the screen!

See the 10 bob shilling! (about the size of a nickel)

Brad, Logan and Christian drinking the lemon grass tea they brewed while we were having language!