Kisumu Yoder's: The Power of Words...

"Words can inspire and words can destroy. Choose yours well."

"Don't mix your words with your mood. You can change your mood but you can't take back your words."

"We are masters of the unsaid words, but slaves of those we let slip out." Winston Churchill

I've been thinking a lot about the power of WORDS. They can bring hope and courage, or fear and despair. Words can bring unity or cause division. They can cause laughter or bring sorrow. Have you ever noticed how some people are “energy givers” and some are “energy takers”? People who are constantly critical or cynical take lots of energy. But cheerful, kind folks are so energizing! God help us to speak kind words! We are so blessed with MANY friends who have spoken words of life and blessing to us. Thank you!!

Joint unit meeting was on the schedule for Tuesday. We were blessed with a nice day to travel to Nakuru. Carmen and Glen were with us. That added to the fun of the trip! :) We got there in plenty of time so we stopped in at Tony's house for a bit before heading to the compound for Breakfast. We were happy to see Johnny and Sue Ann Zook and their family! It's nice to have a new family around that we know a bit at least! :) Johnnys arrived in Kenya on the same day that Brian Masts came. The meeting went well and we appreciated the words of affirmation and encouragement that we all received from the delegation. After the meeting Paul and Wilma Beachy, and Mark and Rose Wagler left for Nairobi to catch their flight back to America. Marlin Yoders took them. Carmen and Glen Gingerich and Angie Miller left with Gerold Millers who had some special visitors to pick up at the airport the next day.... Their daughter Sharon and husband Andre Weaver with their two young children! Gerold and Becky were excited about meeting the newest grandchild for the first time!

We attended Bible study with the Lela group at Mary Ondiek's house on Wed. Wayne shared a devotional and Jacob did a great job with the topic. It was nice to be back with our “home” church again. We were served chapatis and chai afterward. We also stopped at Hesbon's house on our walk out to the road. We prayed with him and soon left. Poor man! He can't get around too well anymore. Hopefully we brought him a bit of cheer!

On Thursday morning Wayne and Joseph left the compound around 6:30 to go to the Kisumu airport and catch their flight to Nairobi. It amazed me when Wayne messaged me around 8:20 and said they arrived in Nairobi! The children hadn't even left for school yet! That 30 minute flight is so convenient! We heard his flight going overhead (at least we think it was that one).Wayne and Joseph are required by the government to get Certificates of good conduct because they have been put on the Agape Board. Those certificates have to be issued in Nairobi. So they caught the morning flight, did their business, and then brought the evening flight home again. We were all glad he was able to be home in time for supper! Now this week Wayne has to fly back to Nairobi to pick up the completed documents.

Wayne and Pastor Tobias spent Friday afternoon visiting Ahero folks. One of the visits was to Paul Juma's house. He has been sick for a long time and unable to attend church. Wayne is quite suspicious that he has TB. He has a lot of the symptoms so I think he will be tested again soon. He had an earlier test that showed negative. That evening we hosted a rather large crowd for supper... Lester's family, their daughter Cynthia, husband Michael and 2 sons, and the single ladies from here. It was a lively time! :) They came back from the Mara that day and told us their stories. We sure will miss their family when they leave!! They've been an inspiration! Shonda and Vanessa missed Hadassah and Janessa so much when they were gone from school for a few days!

Wayne and I spent some time on Saturday finding plants to replace some that died around here. It was so much fun to do something like that again! It looks so much like Springtime! The lush green grass and flowering things are so beautiful and amazing!! Pake Yesu!! Everything looks so fresh and clean instead of covered with dust! I didn't think I have a“green thumb” but there's something stirring inside of me right now and I'm really in the planting mood! :) I love planting when I know it will be watered by the Almighty! Our African brothers and sisters are thanking God for the rain! Some of the most drought stricken ones also received seeds provided by CAM for which they were very grateful! I love to see them rejoicing in God's goodness!

We attended church at Kajulu today. The road to church is HORRENDOUS! Wayne was taking it fairly easy at first but the children begged him to just fly over the bumps because they think its better to hit them hard and get it over with! And they don't think they feel the bumps as much. Groan! I don't know which is better! It was a pretty wild ride to be sure!! The first part of Wayne's message today was dedicated to the Pastors and the last part to the rest of the members. Many words of encouragement in how to relate together well. An accident happened close to the Church this morning that was very unfortunate! A Lorry (big truck) hit and killed a pedestrian.Then the mob went to work and burned the vehicle! The driver ran, and escaped with his life. Your prayers for our protection are needed constantly! Thanks so much!

We spent another relaxing Sunday eve. sitting on the lane visiting with others who felt like socializing. We LOVE those times! There were two games of spike ball going at the same time. Have a good week!

Clara, for the Yoders

"For he that will love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:" 1 Pet. 3:10