"Adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into a positive one."
"Don't let worry get you down. Remember Moses started out as a "basket case."
"Just because we're in a stressful situation doesn't mean that we have to get stressed out. You may be in the storm. The key is don't let the storm get in you."
"Be a warrior, not a worrier."
So how do we know when we're too stressed? Wayne and I both need a certain amount of stress to be able to accomplish things. It gives us the push we need sometimes. But too much stress is hard on family relationships! It's starting to feel like it may be time for a break... just some time to refocus and get "filled up" spiritually. How we would've loved to be at the Minister's meetings last week! Those were always special times of refreshment and we left feeling recharged. Right now it feels like all Wayne does is preach, preach, preach. And I wonder when he has time to get "filled up." But I guess our break time is coming up.... According to Vanessa's furlough countdown chart, there are 57 days til we fly away to America!! Actually Vanessa wants me to tell you how many weeks there are because she thinks the number of days sounds like a lot. :) She says there are 8 weeks and a few days! :) We plan to be there for 6 weeks. Yes we're excited but I'm quite sure we will be ready to come back when the time comes! At least I hope so! :)
Pastor's meeting was scheduled for Monday as usual. On Tuesday Joe went to Maurice and Caroline's house to pick them up and bring them to the compound. Wayne and I wanted to take Caroline to Dr. Sokwala to see what the problem is. She is only 33 years old and skin and bones. She lost weight rapidly and has been having trouble sleeping at night because of terrible sweating. She was extremely weak and had a very poor appetite. Dr. Sokwala didn't ask us many questions but immediately ordered tests. So while Wayne did some other business in town, I walked with Maurice and Caroline to a diagnostic testing testing center where they checked her blood levels, did a chest xray and checked for TB. We had to wait a while for the blood test result and then we went back to Sokwala's office to give the report to the Dr. She immediately saw that Caroline was extremely anemic and ordered IV treatment. So I helped Caroline onto a bed in the office there and then went down the street to a chemist to buy IV meds. In a short time I was back with Caroline and the Dr. started the meds while I sat to wait for the whole bag of fluid to drip into her veins. The bag had a leak and I could hear and see it drip into the waste basket but the Dr. didn't seem to mind. :) Caroline perked up some after that and her appetite started returning! Glenda and I sent some food back home with her then and I'm hoping so much that she's feeling better!! The chest xray came back clear and she is negative for TB, so the Dr. thinks that her HIV just got out of hand. She should be on a diet with plenty of fruits and veggies but they are so poor they can't afford proper foods for her. There are countless needs around us and it feels so hopeless sometimes!! Where do we ever start or stop? But I guess we can help a bit here and there whenever we feel that prompting from God. PLEASE help us pray for wisdom to know who to help and HOW!! Glenda reported to me this eve. that Caroline was at church this morning! Pake Yesu! This was the first time in 7 weeks or so!
Tues. eve. was the farewell night for Lester's. We had a special time of sharing and then were served some wonderful donuts that Becky made along with help from Stacy and our girls. Also a variety of hot drinks. It rained a bit that night so we moved into Lester's carport. I don't need to tell you that it was HARD to see them go!! How I hate those goodbyes! It's been especially tough for Shonda. But I'm sure we'll be ok... we've done it often before! :( God is faithful in taking care of us during these unsettling times.
Wayne had a stressful meeting at Ombeyi on Wed. afternoon. He had planned to be home in time so that we as a family could go to a school here in Kisumu to pass out Bible story books but the meeting ended up lasting around 5 hours! Unfortunately the Ordination that was anticipated is on hold for now. There are still too many questions, strained relationships, and things to work through. The wisdom of Solomon is needed!!
Thursday morning found the Kisumu Pastors leaving at 5 am. for another work day at the Lamp and Light office in Nakuru. From reports the day went well and I think they all enjoyed the fellowship. The project is nearing completion!
Wayne visited Andrew from Ahero on Friday morning. We were disappointed to find out that he has not "put away" the woman he is living with. But he knows he's in the wrong and seems to want to do what's right so the Pastor's are giving him a bit more time and seeking the wisdom of God to work through this redemptively. Both Andrew and the lady have some special needs. Some years ago, Andrew messed his brain up on opium and the young lady has a speech impediment and is unable to talk. We hope and pray for a brokenness and willingness to do this marriage thing God's way. After that visit Wayne and Pastor Tobias headed to Tobias house. Tobias father died recently so they went to give their sympathies. He was killed in a freak accident by an electric pole that was being moved to load onto a lorry. His father was a polygamist and had four wives. Tobias mother is the "big" wife (first). From there they went to Paul and Jane's house again. Wayne fears that Paul's time on earth is short. He has pneumonia now and is very weak. With cancer in his lungs as well the prognosis doesn't look good. I feel so badly for his young wife and small children! That eve. Kore joined us for supper. I was in the mood for an old fashioned meal so we had chicken and dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans. We enjoyed watching volleyball and spike ball on the lane afterward.
Yesterday was the funeral of William Olali from Dienya. Mary Jane went with Wayne and I since Brian had left earlier in the morning. It was a fairly calm funeral compared to some but still not the quiet, reverent atmosphere that we're accustomed to in America. The loud speaker was turned up SO high! It reminded me of an auction. Wayne preached a powerful message and I sure hope some hearts were touched and will turn to God. The politicians had their turn to talk and get the people riled up while we were eating our late lunch of the usual Kenyan fare... chapatis, beef, chicken, ugali, and sukumu. Days like that are very tiring and Janice must've thought of how we'd feel when we get home so she offered to make supper for Brians and us!! Bless her heart!! Her pizza was great!! We are glad to have Joe and Glenda back from their vacation in Nairobi. The girls have SO much fun with sweet little Elliot!
Today we enjoyed the service at Ahero although it got LONG because of the 8 different testimonies after the message. Felt like a test of endurance for a while but that's ok. Wayne preached a challenging message on "Surrender" and it seemed Andrew was touched by it and he is wanting to get rid of his sin.
Have a blessed week and don't get too stressed out! Remember, "Pressure is good for tires, not people!" :)
Clara for the Yoders
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