Kisumu Yoder's: A Dry and Thirsty Land....

"O God, thou are my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;" Ps. 63:1

"And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not." Isa. 58:11

"In the barren places of my life I can be assured that God is there, as He is when life is fruitful." Elisabeth Elliot

We are certainly living in a dry and thirsty land and it reminds me of our need for God... He is able to quench our "thirst." Pake Jesu!! Sometimes I feel almost desperate for rain and I hope I will NEVER complain about mud again. Too much water can be harmful too but oh the dryness is depressing! We have been receiving so many requests for school fees, etc. One of the Rabuor members was planning to sell a cow to pay school fees but now the cow died because of drought and he needs money. Groan... We need so much wisdom. We hate to say no but if we do it for one person there would be no end. We see the need for food much more important than school fees. I think we need to have a real celebration once the first soaking rain comes!! And yes we do have hope that this drought will end someday! God is faithful!

On Monday during Pastor's meeting Glenda, Clarissa, and I went to the orphanage close by here to visit. We were SO impressed! The place is VERY clean, nice toys for the children, and caring staff to take care of the children. We were permitted to help feed the babies. So many adorable children!! There was a baby brought to the ophanage that day that was only 2 days old. Poor child! The mother is only 18 and not interested in her baby. I got to feed a little one who only weighed around 5 lbs. Such a beautiful little girl! I wonder so much what her future holds. A lot of the children will be adopted eventually but there are not a lot of homes available to take them (Kenya is not allowing international adoptions at this time). God bless the people who so lovingly care for them at the orphanage!

Part of the day Tuesday was spent getting ready for clothing sales. Wayne spent most of the day visiting Noah Atito and his family. Pray for them, they are seeking to come back to the Lela church after having been gone for about a year. They left on very good terms and only because they live far from church. Noah now has a piki piki so transport is easier. The church is very happy about them wanting to come back. On Wednesday Wayne and I and Clarissa took a loaded van to the Kasongo church and set up a fairly large assortment of new and used items for them to buy. They seemed quite happy and enjoyed the day. Thankfully everyone was respectful and there was no pushing or shoving to be first. We got rid of a LOT of stuff!! And the church ended up with a nice amount of money for their church fund. We stayed for lunch which consisted of ugali, chicken, and cabbage. Then they brought sodas and nyoyo!! And then chai!!! Oh my! So much to eat! They apparently haven't been hit too hard with drought in that area! Wayne was asked to share at their Bible study that afternoon and they seemed to appreciate it immensely. We enjoyed the day in spite of the awful heat! That eve. we were invited to Joe's for supper along with Lester's family, Sammy and Carissa and daughter Sophia and the single ladies. We are happy to have Hosea and Bernice's son Sammy and family here for a long weekend. Sammy spent about 8 years of his life here and it's been interesting to hear some of his memories of life here. Hosea's left when he was 18. Later in the eve. some more visitors came to the compound... Derrick Unruh's family, his parents, and the single lady who teaches school for them. They are from the Holdeman church group and we were able to make connections with a number of people we both know. Derrick knows Wayne's uncle Sylvan and cousin-in-law, Reuben Renno. Also some of my Bender cousins. So interesting! This world seems quite small sometimes.

Wayne had a full day Fri. In the morning there was a meeting here with Tony Sande, from Nakuru, Wahington Otieno and Eric Ogwe, (Kasongo) and Maurice Omondi (Dienya). These brothers have been placed on a board to begin a

quarterly periodical that is similar to the Calvary Messenger. It would give opportunity for some of our Kenyan brothers to write articles and encourage the churches. The new periodical will be called, "The Believers Messenger". Wayne is not officially on the board but is the liaison between the Board and the Mission to help get the work started. In the afternoon we headed to the Ombeyi church for another clothing sale. It was extremely warm again but there was a stiff breeze blowing. We had a bit of trouble with clothes blowing off the benches onto the dirt floor. :( Here again the ladies were very happy with their "treasures" and it was a good feeling to be able to supply them with clothes, and other items that they need.

Lesters family has been such a blessing to us! They have certainly added a lot of life to the compound and our girls have an extra spring in their steps since they have new friends around! Most evenings you will find games in progress on the lane and people sitting out there visiting.

Kore Beachy is here this weekend again and because all the guest quarters are full he is staying at our house. Last eve. we enjoyed hosting Sammy and Carissa for supper as well as Kore. Sometime during the eve. the daughters of Lester, Stacy, and our girls, and even Wayne and Kore were seen over at Deans house banging loudly on pots and pans, blowing a horn, and just making lots of racket, to wish Dean a happy birthday!! :) I think he felt quite honored!

For lunch today Sammy's, Kore, Joe's, Carolyn, and us were together. We enjoyed our traditional chicken, rice and beans meal. Sammy's attended church at Rabuor, Joe's at Ahero (for pulpit exchange), and we were at Lela. We all came home close to the same time so lunch worked out just fine. It felt good to be back at Lela again. Clarissa taught the children's class today... a first for her.

We are excited about some very special visitors coming this week!! My own dear Dad and Mom!! Can't believe it!! Also my brother Davy. Pray for safety as they travel!

God bless your week! May you be as a watered garden... fruitful in Kingdom work. Love to all, Clara