Adjustments................

"He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength."  Isa. 40:29  This verse blessed me so much this past week one day when I wasn't feeling well and had fears about how I would ever be able to do the work God has called us to here.  I'm finding it to be so true that  "Where God guides, He provides."  Pake Yesu!!  (Praise Jesus!)

   This past week has been so full of emotions... so many ups and downs. The compound family met in Tommy's carport on Tues. morning for a farewell prayer.  I was glad that we didn't need to say goodbye to Tommys yet that morning so as soon as prayer was over I slipped away to our house so I didn't need to watch all the goodbye's.  I needed to finish preparations for out trip to Nairobi anyway.  Around 10 am. Tommy, Marji and their youngest children, as well as Wayne and I, Bradlyn and Vanessa, left the compound with a van loaded on top with 23 totes and suitcases.  Our older children left a bit later in another vehicle with Jadon Stoltzfus driving.  The drive to Nakuru was uneventful and we arrived at Tony's house 3 hours later.  Judith had prepared a wonderful Belizean meal for us... fryjacks and beans!!  She had some good help from her mom too I'm sure! Its so special to see Wayne's mom and dad once in a while even though we haven't been with them for a long period of time yet. The food was great and it was a blessing to have some time to eat and relax before we continued our journey to Nairobi.  From Nakuru to Nairobi our older children rode with Freeman Byler's who were taking Kayla Yoder to the airport for her flight home as well.  We had some quality time to visit with Tommy and Marji that day and we are glad we had the opportunity to take them to the airport.  We arrived at Hampton House in good time and then ordered some Domino's pizza for our supper.  We didn't stay up late that night because Wayne and Tommy's needed to be up early to go to the airport.  I didn't spend a long time saying goodby to Marji... basically said, "See ya, love ya, Bye!"  I hate goodbye's SO much!  I've been so grateful for our easy means of communicating since they left!  We can still email and so it doesn't feel like they just dropped off the face of the earth! :)  

  On Wed. we took it very easy... not rushing at all. Wayne came back from the airport and climbed back into bed for a while.  I helped Bradlyn do some of his Kindergarten work that day and Vanessa and Brad spent a lot of time playing outside.  There is a nice play area for children outside Hampton House.  We did spend some time at the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi that day and that was neat!  There are beautiful, graceful giraffes that come and eat right out of your hands.  They are amazing creatures!  That evening we ate at Java House and when we walked in we noticed a mzungu lady sitting in the booth next to us who was smiling at us and soon turned around to talk.  She said she was raised Mennonite in Kalona, Iowa and her last name was Yoder!!! Imagine her surprise when we told her we are Yoders as well! :)  Small world I guess!  She has relatives in Goshen, IN as well.  She has lived in Kenya for quite a number of years and is married to a Kenyan dairy farmer.  They seem to have a good business making dairy products.  Maybe we will look them up someday.  Wedneday eve. excitement mounted as we headed to the airport to pick up Joe and Glenda and sweet little Tiffany!!  Also Stacy Byler who lives behind our house and flew home for a week to be with her family.  We were able to watch through some big windows outside the terminal where a staircase came down to the baggage claim area.  We anxiously watched the stairs and FINALLY there they come!!!!!!!!!!  :)  It felt like we were dreaming!  After some time they collected all their luggage and by the way... every single piece came!! PTL!  And then a joyful reunion!  Tiffany seemed to remember us and she doesn't seem to have any big adjustments at all.  I think she will love Kenya!  It was after midnight til we settled down for the night and so the night was too short.  Joes slept well and the next morning found us heading toward Nakuru soon after 9 am.  We haven't heard a lot of first impressions from Joe's yet.  I guess I will let them tell you what they're thinking. :)  I would've loved to know what was going through their minds sometimes as we travelled home!  In Nakuru we met with Tony's and Dad and Mom at Java House for lunch.  Kore Beachy and Joe Fisher joined us as well.  It felt good to have a break from travelling once again but we were feeling ready to GET HOME!  So we didn't stay real long and made good time to Kisumu that afternoon.  Joe's were barely out of the van until people came to welcome them.  Everyone was so kind and quickly had the van unloaded and then they had a tour of their new home.  Glenda was pleasantly surprised!  The house was nicer than she expected it to be.  Marji did so well in making it look clean and inviting and also the rest of the compound ladies worked hard while we were gone to strip and wax floors and get everything shining clean.  We have been taking care of most of Joe's meals this weekend so that they have time to get settled in and figure out which end is up! :)   Wayne has taken Joe on several piki rides and I don't think Joe is too sure what to think of that yet!  Can't say that I blame him!  Our children have been having a blast with Tiffany!  She's as cute as a button and they love taking pictures of her.  She can talk very well for a little one who just turned two!  

   I had a bad scare on Friday night!  We were sleeping peacefully when we were suddenly awakened by the sound of something falling.  I was quite sure it was a book or magazine that was being carried by someone and it fell in the hallway.  At about the same instant I realized that of all nights we had forgotten to turn on the motion sensors!  Not a good feeling!!  I "froze" and nervously watched the crack in the doorway to see if anyone would go past our door.  Nothing more happened and eventually Wayne got up and checked things out.  He found nothing!  And that's when I discovered that there was a calendar laying on the floor in our bedroom. The sticky hook had come unglued! :)  So all's well that ends well and we're SO thankful it was only a calendar!!  

   Our church service this morning went well.  There were a few more testimonies in preparation for Communion next Sunday and Wayne preached a good message on "Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness sake."  The people seemed happy to meet their new pastor!  They are still a bit shy about it all but it takes time to "warm up" and feel comfortable with changes like this.  We enjoyed a lunch of our usual chicken, rice and beans with Joe's and Carolyn and after a good rest this afternoon we are getting ready for a relaxing evening.  I think Linnford and Kay plan to come join us and help us eat breadsticks... and maybe Joes as well. 

  We want to say a BIG thank you to the youth group at home as well as Clarissa's classmates who gave her the surprise of her life when they sent a very nice camera with Joes for her Birthday!!  I've never seen her so excited about a gift and almost speechless!!  She has been VERY blessed and having a great time shooting pics!! :)

   Thanks so much for your prayers on our behalf!!  And many thanks to those who sent cards, letters, etc. with Joes!!  We appreciate all of you and wish you peace!  Clara

Just a few quotes from me..

"I'm now at the age where I've got to prove that I'm just as good as I never was."

"Truth often suffers more by the heat of it's defenders, then from the arguments of it's opposers."  William Penn

-Wayne

Laying out bedding to spray for bed bugs

Good bye for now.....

Lunch at Tony's (Thank's Judith!!)

Hampton House courtyard

The brand new terminal at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport!!

Tiffany lovin the front seat!!

Java House, Nakuru

Tiffany with the Nakumatt elephant 

Joe getting cell phone service

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New Friends

What a playground!!

Nessa's Party