Pain and Trials......God Is With Us

Christmas... How can it be that this beautiful season is almost here already!!  Its easy to forget it here... at home there were reminders everywhere but not so here.  And it certainly doesn't "feel" like Christmas according to the weather, although we have had some chilly days and nights recently due to all the rain.  I LOVE rainy season, except for the mud.  Its SO beautiful and green, not so hot, and well just great! But I feel so bad for people who have trouble with their houses flooding!  A dear lady in Instruction class at Lela, named Lina Aduda, recently had her house flooded during the night.  Her young children were sleeping on the floor and woke up to a wet bed.  Now she has been dealing with mud in the house ever since!  Imagine!!  She was quite discouraged at first but she's still cheerful and greets us with a smile.  We try to share with her as the Lord leads.  It takes a lot of wisdom to know when to give and when not to, so that they don't become dependent, or "beggars".  

   Last week was a rough week.  On Sunday morning a week ago, soon after we arrived at Church we discovered that the small mud house on the church property where Kevin, an orphan, lives was ransacked and the door was standing open.  Kevin didn't  come to Church that morning but from what some other church members told us we discovered that Kevin had a serious "run-in" with the neighbors.  They supposedly tried to kill him with a panga and wanted to burn him in his house.  We don't have all the details yet but for some reason Kevin didn't want the neighbors and community folks to get water from the well at the Church anymore.  We don't understand why but I suppose we will find out the truth eventually.  This made the neighbors very angry.  They had a key to the well and were in charge of when people may come to get water and suddenly Kevin breaks their lock off of the well and tries to prevent them from getting water.  After Church the neighbors came to meet with Wayne and the national Brothers.  I was a bit nervous... I sure was hoping they would come peaceably and not in anger!!  PTL!!  They were very nice and workable and wanted peace with us as well.  So for now things are ok.  Kevin doesn't live in the house anymore since he was chased out. He still hasn't acknowledged any wrongdoing in the situation.  Its tough because he is a member and will have to be dealt with if he doesn't change his ways.  Please pray that Wayne would have the wisdom of Solomon and courage to do whatever is necessary.  One thing that scared me is that Kevin told the neighbors that the "mzungu" (white people) were the ones that didn't want them getting water anymore.  That was very false and we're glad that the neighbors seem to understand that now.  Please pray that Kevin could have humility of heart and seek peace with God and the Church.

   Sun. night was a traumatic night for Dean and Barbara Jean Miller and their family.  I suppose most of you heard about the attempted break-in at their house.  Barbara woke soon after midnight when she heard some noises and when she discovered a man at the door trying to break in, she SCREAMED, and he ran off.  The pastors were able to watch the thief on video the next day.  There are plans to make things a bit more secure around here.  It was unsettling for all of us, to be sure!!  But I thank God that in spite of this we have been able to sleep peacefully for the most part and we try to do our best to have things locked up tight.  The rest is up to God.  "Safety is of the Lord".  

   I have been having lots of trouble with an ingrown toenail lately.  Wayne tried to stuff cotton underneath the nail several times.  Marlin Stoltzfus helped out as well since he has been able to help a number of people with the problem.  But on Wed. the pain became unbearable.  Wayne was able to see that the ingrown part was on the side of the nail, instead of at the top where it often is and to get cotton way down the side was almost impossible, and EXTREMELY painful!  I think it was the first time in my life that I actually screamed from pain.  So off we went to the hospital,.. Aga Kahn, which is the best hospital in Kisumu.  The Dr. took a look at it and said it definitely needs surgery. He was able to do it that afternoon so I just stayed and waited til they were ready.  I had to answer a number of questions and get some blood work done.  Meanwhile Wayne and Bradlyn left to go get the money needed for the surgery.  Wayne also needed to go with Jacob, a church brother, to take some clothes to the prison where Edwin, a young man who was incarcerated 3 - 5 yrs. ago was going to be released.  I didn't see Wayne again til after surgery.  If I'd have known what I was getting myself into I may have "chickened out."  I have had severe pain in my toe this past week!!  I've had two c-sections in my life and I declare this pain in my toe has been worse than those surgeries were... as far as the pain.  There must be an awful lot of nerve endings in our toes... sometimes it felt like they were all on fire.  I had a fairly nice older Dr. who I trusted pretty well.  I was put into a ward with 5 other beds in it.  I think it must be a bit unusual to have a mzungu (white person) in a hospital bed because people seemed interested in what was going on in my corner of the room. Marji told me that when she was in the hospital sometimes people would walk by her room and see a white person, then they would back up for a better look! :)  I got more attention than I wanted, that's for sure!!  When I laid on the long narrow table in the OR there was no pillow so I was quite uncomfortable.  I asked for one and thankfully they gave me one which helped a LOT!  My bed in the ward didn't have a pillow either.  I don't know if there's a shortage or what.  The surgery took about a half hour. I felt no pain during the procedure where they made an incision and cut part of the nail off and must've taken roots out underneath.  They stitched the skin shut then and that is supposedly going to take care of the problem forever.  The very worst part was when they gave local anesthesia.  Whew!!  Talk about painful!  But I tried not to flinch.... I wanted them to know that mzungus can be "tough" too. :)  They kept watching me to see how I would respond.  Several times when the Dr. was bandaging me up I told him that the bandage is too tight, but he said "no" that's how its supposed to be. Hmmm... well we found out it was NOT how it should be!!  The next few days were pretty much torture.  I couldn't be up much at all.  The pain was very sharp, stabbing and constant.  Finally, on Thurs. I couldn't take it anymore so we went to Dr. Sokwala, a nice Asian lady who had looked at my toe before.  She unwrapped the toe for me and soon I felt great relief!!!  She agreed that it was wrapped too tight.  She said my Dr. won't be happy with me for taking the bandage off.  He said I should leave it on for a whole week!!  Contrary to his orders I have been changing the dressing every day and its slowly but surely getting better.  I'm slowly hobbling around but at least I can be off of pain meds now.  

   On Thurs. Tony's arrived.  They came to take Rachel, her boyfriend Aaron, and his sister Mary Ann to Nakuru for a few days, then they will take them to Nairobi later this week to catch their flight back to America.  Tony's were here from Thurs. til today, Monday.  Tommy's invited all of us, Tony's, the visitors, and us to their house on Fri. eve. for supper before Rachel's farewell on the lane.  The food was great and we enjoyed the fellowship.  The sad part is giving Rachel up!! Its rough for our girls too.  We shed some tears this morning as we bade here goodbye!  Goodbyes are SO hard!!  But then I remind myself that with all the people coming and going here we are learning to know so many more people and our horizons are broadened.  I've been dealing with some homesickness again lately.  America seems like a dream... And I wonder if I'll ever see that wonderful place and our awesome family again.  I remind myself that the safest place to be is in God's will.  And its the most peaceful place to be too.  Its just that our wishes and God's plans aren't always the same. That's where surrender comes in... and PEACE. :)

   One day last week while Wayne was up on the roof; working on our water tank, he felt something hit his head.  He looked around and didn't see anything so he kept working and pretty soon here it comes again... a nasty HAWK seemed to feel like his territory was invaded so he swooped down and left Wayne with some scratches on his head!!  I was NOT amused!!!  The nerve!!  Oh well... could've been worse.  

  Yesterday morning was quite unusual... we had a real downpour of rain before Church.  We left a bit later than usual because we didn't know if anyone would show up at Church.  Lela area had much less rain then we did though and as it ended up attendance was very good.  People came a bit late but there was good support.  We left later than usual though because the testimonies went on and on.  Wayne preached about reaping what we sow, and it seemed to touch hearts.  We rejoice with Edwin who was released from jail on Wed.  He was incarcerated for taking money from Agape, and he acknowledges that he took some but not nearly the amount he was accused of.  It appears that the real "thief" probably used Edwin as a scapegoat in order to save his own "hide".  Edwin was released early from his 5 yr. sentence because of good behavior and seems to have a good testimony. Life in jail was ROUGH and he is REJOICING to be free!!  When he came through the line to shake our hands yesterday, he hung onto my hands and praised the Lord!  After Church we ate in our carport with Tony's, Carolyn, Rachel, and her visitors.  Carolyn kindly made the dessert and salad for us and Judith seasoned the ricardo chicken for me. Everyone is so kind and considerate of me right now because of my "handicap."  

  Thank you for your prayers!  We feel your support and love!                                        Clara, for the Yoder's               

Volleyball court on the lane (from our gate)

She's still Ayla!

  

Brad and Co. fixing the lane

The "attacker" or his mate

I dare you ladies to try this while you talk on your cell phone!

sorting maize in Ahero

Do you think it was time?

Joint Pastors Meeting in Kericho

Post op

More of the ward

OWW!!

Thanksgiving and more...

"Serve the Lord with gladness: come into his presence with singing..."  That phrase in Psalm 100 stands out to me during this Thanksgiving season.  Yes, may we all serve with gladness rather than out of a feeling of duty or obligation.  Sometimes when I'm feeling selfish and struggle with our call here, God gently reminds me of the song... "I gave my life for thee... what hast thou done for me?"  

  We continue to enjoy visitors and all the different people that we cross paths with here in Kisumu.  On Sun. eve. the unit was invited to Marlins.  James Peight, Lavina's brother, showed us pictures of the work in Honduras.  James is on the mission board so we enjoyed hearing about the work there.  After that report he showed us pictures of their trip to Masai Mara since their arrival in Kenya.  That was very interesting!!  It included a 15 min. video which made it seem almost real life.  I'm looking forward to the day we can go see the "big five" of Africa! :)  We enjoyed yummy taco salad that evening as well.  

On Monday Wayne was in Pastor's meeting for 10 hours!!  I usually send Bradlyn over with a plate of food for him at lunch time.  They didn't even get finished with everything on the agenda!! It would seem to me that it would be very wearing to be in a meeting that long but Wayne seems to enjoy the fellowship. They have some good times together. :)

Tues. morning I went to Dr. Sokwala's office.  I have a nasty ingrown toe nail that has been a real pain for some time.  Wayne cut some of the nail away (while I nearly hit the roof) but it didn't take all the pain, although it helped the throbbing in my toe.  It "hit" me again that day how different things are here than in America.  We walked down the street trying to find her office and all I could see was a little sign that said "Daktari" or something like that.  The door was open with a few people sitting in a very small narrow room.  The lady at the old wooden desk asked me to sign my name on a piece of paper that had a few other signatures.  I noticed Glen Helmuth's name was on there. :)  I didn't need to fill out any info... I just sat and waited in a not so clean room that didn't smell very great.  I was happy with Dr. Sokwala though.  She's a nice Christian, Asian lady who seems very caring.  Her office is very plain and doesn't seem very well supplied with instruments, etc. but I think she knows what she's doing and she gives God the glory for what He does through her.  She wasn't able to take care of my infected toe but she did prescribe antibiotics and gave me an order to give to a surgeon at the Aga Khan hospital. I guess I will have to go get the nail cut away on the one side. :(

  Wed. was a VERY full but interesting day.  In the morning Wayne and Bradlyn and I went to the Kisumu airport to pick up Rachel and her replacement, Stacy Byler from Seymour, MO.  Welcome Stacy!!!  Rachel flew to Nairobi the day before to be with Grandma Lois when she flew out and then picked up Stacy that eve. and took her back to the airport in the morning for their flight to Kisumu.  Stacy got a good taste of Kenya roads on the way home... town was pretty crazy.  We're enjoying Stacy already.  She's a nice friendly girl who will do well here.  But the hard thing is giving Rachel up!!! :( :( :(  I dread it so much.  It seems this place is so full of goodbyes.  I hated it when Grandma Lois left too.  Rachel has become almost like a part of our family and we'll miss her terribly!!  Wed. afternoon Wayne and I and Carolyn headed out to the Lela area for Bible study at Eunice's house.  We stopped at Hesbon's house to pick him up since he can't walk well.  We had to go through major mud but with some rather wild maneuvers we made it out of there without getting stuck!! Whew!!  Then we kept meeting more church folks that needed a ride.  We ended up with 19 people in an 11 passenger van and on the way home there were 21!!  I honestly don't know how they do it!!  I thought Wayne and I were pretty lucky to be up front and not need to be "squashed."  I love these people though!!  They burst into song soon after the door was shut and they sang their hearts out.  I think they were trying to raise the roof. :)  They were in good spirits and we had a nice day together.  We had a good turnout that day... seemed like most of the folks were there.  I'm so glad for Zilpa's help when I need a translator and when I need to take care of sewing needs with the ladies.  We discussed which Scripture we want to study in Sunday school.  We ladies have a separate class twice a month and I will be responsible to teach one of those times.  I'm not too concerned because they talk a good bit and I pretty much let them take over since I don't have a good hold on the language yet.  When we arrived home around 5:30 Tony's had arrived from Nakuru!!  We quickly changed clothes and got ready for an evening at the Yacht club down by Lake Victoria.  Tommy took some family pictures for us.  Tommy's and Tony's and us ate in one pavilion and the youth and visitors had a separate place to eat.  It was a gorgeous evening!! There were even monkeys in the trees above us! :)  We haven't seen hippos yet though... hopefully one of these times we'll get to see them.  I'm really beginning to love Asian food... especially paneer.  Its fried cheese in a wonderful sauce that we eat over rice.  After we got home from the lake we enjoyed visiting with Tony's a while longer.  I needed to work on jello salad for the next day as well.  It takes quite a bit when you're making enough for 60 people!  

Thanksgiving day was very special!!  The morning was very busy.  I was responsible for broccoli and cauliflower salad and it took a lot of time!!  We asked a native lady, Consolata, to come help wash and cut it up for me.  She was here probably close to 3 hrs.  I finally saw she wasn't going to be finished in time so I quickly helped her for a while.  Judith brought cheese and bacon from Nakuru so that helped a lot! We had a yummy lunch with grilled steak, compliments of Marlin;  as well as ham, some of it came from America, thanks to James Peight!!  For dessert we had specialties that we don't have much here... cream cheese dessert!! 4 different flavors!!  Jake's and us were responsible to plan the afternoon activities.  The men and children played scatter ball in the school yard for a while... there was also Can Jam and corn hole. The adults and youth also played a game called "Bus stop".  That was hilarious.  We also had a homemade pinata for the children which they loved.  I couldn't help but miss my family and think about what they're doing.  Once when we were singing a Thanksgiving song and it mentioned, "father and mother, sister and brother" I found myself choking up a bit but it didn't last too long.  We are enjoying our Kenya family a lot too and it helps ease the pain of separation from our dear friends and family's at home.  

Tony is doing a food drop today but Judith and the children are around and plan to stay til tomorrow.  We look forward to having them here again next weekend.  It just feels right to have them in Kisumu! :)

 Blessings to all of you and thanks again for your prayers and support!!  Clara

The Yoder family at Yacht club

Family Day with Tommy's at Haandi's, a wonderful Asian Restaurant

Wayne and Bradlyn with our TALL friendly guard at Nakumatt

Logan, walking their turtle!

Bible study... eating nyoyo

Lina and baby Josephine

Lake Victoria

"Sisters" Heidi and Teacher Charity

Stacy and Rachel

Meriah Wagler with her friend... a frog

The food table on Thanksgiving Day

Who's pulling who? :)

Girls trying to get oreo cookies in their mouths without touching them with their hands

Need a great place to relax?  Come to Lake Victoria!!! :)

Of Service and Snakes........!!

          

"...and as thy days, so shall thy strength be."  This verse is a comfort and blessing to me.  And it has been proven true over and over since we came to Kenya.  I keep thinking about how I dreaded coming here and absolutely could not imagine myself in a setting like this.  But here we are... for 3 months now and we are surviving very well.  God is giving strength a day at a time and we are actually enjoying life here most of the time.  There are still things that are hard for me and that I wish I could be more relaxed with, such as dirt and germs and our drinking water... etc.  But I suppose some of those things will always kind of stick with me and I need to just accept it as part of Kenya. It helps to realize that God brought us here and He will help us.  Sometimes I feel like we might ruin our health with questionable drinking water, and with our exposure to all kinds of illnesses and things we weren't used to at home but I guess if God brought us here He will see us through. 

 We have been experiencing a number of "firsts" again this past week since Jason's left.  On Wed. afternoon we had our first Bible study without Jason's.  It turned out to be a rainy, chilly, and windy day. Normally we meet in the natives homes for Bible study but this time we met at Church since we couldn't make contact with the person who was supposed to host.  Wayne parked the van under the church roof and then we kind of huddled beside the van for our Bible study and it at least protected us a bit from the wind and the chill in the air.  Only 2 men and 4 ladies showed up but we still had a blessed time together.  I was so thankful I had my leso along to throw over my shoulders. Thankfully we have enough of people in Church who understand English well enough to translate so we can usually get our point across when we are trying to communicate.

  Vanessa was home from school on Thurs. sick with some kind of stomach bug.  By eve. she was better but she didn't want to go along to Joseph and Becky's house for Prayer meeting and singing.  I really didn't want to miss out on the singing because I knew it would sound extra good that night with all of Charity's visitors as well as Marlin and Lavina's.  So Vanessa agreed to stay home alone while I went to the singing.  It was wonderful indeed!!!  Oh how lovely to hear those beautiful English songs in 4 parts!!  I feel like I just have to drink it in when I hear it.  Charity's visitors are 2 of her siblings as well as 3 other youth from her church.  Marlins visitors are James Peights from Bedford, PA.  Marlins sister is married to Lavina's brother so its very special for them to have such close family here with them.  

Thurs. morning we ladies had a surprise Birthday party for Janice, planned by her mother.  When Jake brought Janice home from town we were standing just inside the hedge and sang Happy Birthday when she walked in. :)  The table was nicely decorated and we were served yummy treats.  Becky decorated a lovely cake!  While we were still sitting at the table Wayne came to inform me that he was going to town and then he told me that he found a snake under the door mat just outside our door!!  I was horrified!!  The snake was very small but I still hate them!  It was in a bucket so I showed it to the milkman who comes to the compound and he said right away, "Its a black mamba!"  Those are very deadly snakes but Wayne and Tommy say "no" its not a mamba because after researching they found out that mambas are already 16 inches long or so when they are born and also they are black inside the mouth.  This snake was white inside his mouth so I was quite relieved but still I hope I can believe that info.  So here we had a "real" snake and later that night we had an "imagined" snake!!  One of our daughters, who doesn't want her name mentioned, :)  came to our room at 1:30 am and said that she thinks a snake fell on her head!  It wiggled and then she brushed it off and she heard it plunk on the floor beside the bed. We asked he how big it was and she said, "about as big as the one we saw today".  I was instantly wide awake... I was going to check this out good and proper... just in case some snake had made his way into our house!!  I flipped the bright light on and carefully and very cautiously began my search for this "critter".  But the only thing I could find was a nice pink leso on the floor.  When Wayne saw it he said.. "that's what it was".  Sure enough... the decorative leso had been hanging on the wall the night before and I suppose with the fan blowing and all, it fell on Shonda's head and when it fell to the floor she probably heard the beads on the leso hit the floor.  I guess our imaginations work pretty well at night sometimes. :)  It took Wayne and I a long time to fall asleep again but all's well that ends well. 

On Fri. Wayne, Bradlyn and I went visiting for the first time... just us.  We went to Maurice and Caroline's house.  They were both baptized in April.  Caroline is Maurice's second wife... his first wife died.  With all the rain we've had recently it was too muddy to take the van back close to their house so we walked for a ways. (I wasn't allowed to try. :) We drive 4x4 Toyota diesel vans that off road much better then US vans) wy.  Maurice met us at the road and we donned our boots first.  He took us to his mothers house for a short visit and then we headed back to his house.  We tried to find as much dry land as possible to walk on but it was a challenge.  I had a bad scare once when we came around a bend in the trail and here comes a herd of cows right toward us.  There was nothing to do but stay right where we were while the cows passed all around us.  Normally the cows here seem quite placid, but there were a few ornery ones in this bunch,  they were mostly bulls.  I held my breath as they went around us, and all was well until the one big beast paused right beside Wayne and put his head down as though he wanted to charge!  My heart jumped to my throat for a second and instinctively I whirled and tried to "hide" behind Wayne.  But just that quickly the bull turned again to join his "buddies".  I think it was God that made him decide these "mzungus" were not worth chasing!!  Thank God!!!!!!!!!!!  Times like this make me realize that we are in God's hands and He has protected us so many times.  I'm sure your prayers make a big difference too!!  We really enjoyed our visit with this dear couple.  Caroline has always seemed very reserved and bashful to me but I was amazed how she opened up and talked that day. I was so encouraged!!  They seemed very interested in how things are in America.  We don't like to spend much time on that subject though.  Caroline wondered if we live in mud houses like they do.  We tried to explain that our homes are made of wood instead of mud and we told them how it gets very cold and we must have heat.  They can't seem to wrap their minds around electric heat and those things. Their simple houses can be built fairly cheaply and serve them very well.  Most of them are fairly small, but who needs a big house when you can live, cook and wash outdoors year round.  These dear brothers and sisters can teach us Americans a lot about being happy with less.We are SO blessed... I just don't understand why the differences have to be so great... but that's how it is.  We took some time to sing and pray with them and they graciously served us black chai (no milk added) and plain white bread.  We had some major ditches to go through on the way home... we had to try several times but thank God we made it without getting stuck!!  One highlight for us was passing out Bible story books to the children who gathered around us as we were leaving.  We pray that these books will point them to the One who can help them and save them.

This morning was our first service without Jason's.  Wayne preached a challenging message for the youth.  Amazingly there were more youth there this Sunday then there ever were I think.  He used the rope illustration and showed them how important it is to live our short lives for God so that we can spend all eternity with Him.  Before church started Bradlyn came to me almost crying because something was on his neck and back. I was horrified to see a good sized lizard there and I quickly brushed him off with my songbook.  Sigh.... will I ever get used to these things?!!!!  As usual we picked up a number of people to give them a lift on the way to church. We always stop at the Rabour church as well to transport people.  With a van load of all of us, open windows sure are nice! :)  

Have a wonderful week!!  Clara 

                                                    

The "real snake"

Maurice serving chai

Maurice and Caroline Kitayi

Brad at play

Visiting

Maurice, Brad and "Mud"

A few of the students with their excellent Music Teacher, Margie

Life in Luo Land...

"Home is where God is"  Thats a quote that someone shared with me recently and I really like it!   I want to thank all of you who are so faithful at writing and sending notes of encouragement.  We feel so blessed to have friends that care.  We eagerly look forward to reading e-mails in the morning and throughout the day.  There are certain ones who are very faithful and deserve recognition... such as Jim Pash, Anthony Grubb, Rosy, who faithfully send the Church news every week plus family news anytime, Esther Zook, Mary Ann Yoder,Wanda Peachey, and Carolyn Yoder.  My dear sister in law, Ruth, from PA is also very faithful in writing and it means a lot because I know she really doesn't have time to write!  My wonderful sisters, and Mom often write too... Thanks a million!  It was great to talk to Tracy Osborne on the phone last week!!  Thanks so much for calling!  You're a dear friend!  I'm very sorry if I have missed someone... I know more of you have written too... and I'm sure I'm missing some of you but again THANKS to all of you and God bless!  

  The beginning of last week found us heading to Nakuru with Marlin and Lavina for Unit meeting Tues. afternoon and Orientation on Wed.  We were very surprised when we walked into a pizza shop for lunch before we went to the meeting and found a big group of youth there, including Clarissa, as well as Tony and Judith!  And soon after we got there Tommys walked in.  None of us had planned this beforehand so that was fun.  The pizza doesn't taste anything like Papa John's but its very edible. :)  

  After unit meeting and a wonderful supper provided by the Nakuru folks we had a good night at Tonys.  The worst thing that happened was that Bradlyn had some VERY bad sores in his mouth that kept him from eating and made him extremely grumpy!:(  I don't understand whats up with the sores because he was very tired and had a bit of fever too.  Now Vanessa has been extra tired and has sores too. Also one or two of Jake's children have it. Seems like it may be a strange virus.  People are telling me that we are likely to get strange illnesses here. :(  It takes a lot of trust and prayers at times but we really can't complain because we've been blessed with good health most of the time... and nothing real serious yet.  

The topics for our orientation were all very good and so encouraging.  Marlin Stoltzfus had the first topic titled "Thriving in a Foreign Environment".  The challenge to me was to not only survive, and do what has to be done but THRIVE.  He gave the example of greenhouse plants that are transplanted.  The health of a plant when its moved to a different place may depend a lot on the health of the plant when it was transplanted.  Another thing he mentioned was that when we get beyond the point of needing the "leeks and garlics" then we show growth.  He mentioned that a missionary takes "deprivation" for granted.  Very challenging thoughts and I see much room for growth in my life!!  Marlin Yoder shared about how we can foster true Brotherhood.  He did a great job and I thought of his Dad, Ray Yoder from Bastrop, so much when he was talking.  He looks and talks like his Dad. :) The last topic, Vision for the Future; was by Samuel, a native pastor from Engashura.  I declare he looks a lot like Randy Lapp. :)  He did a terrific job of speaking... very good English and he shared many things with us about how Kenyans "think".  We learned much about the culture and how we can best meet the needs of these people. It was amazing to hear him talk. Its a real blessing to have someone like him to be the "link" between the two cultures.  On the way home Wayne drove and we brought Barbara Jean and her children, as well as some of Tommy's children home with us.  Tommy, Dean, and Marlin stayed an extra day in Nakuru for a meeting.  Barbara Jean said they counted speed bumps one time between Nakuru and Kisumu and there were 177!!  It wears a person out to always be tensing up for those bumps and avoiding potholes and all kinds of other things.  I saw a big truck with a mudflap stretched along the whole rear of the truck that had big letters that said, "RELAX".   Hmmm... was that for me?  The timing was good and I really did try to relax after that.  I really think I've come a long way... but I'm not always sure.... :)  Maybe you should ask Wayne.  Travelling here makes travel in America seem very safe!  I'm surprised there are many accidents there. 

  Some of you have wondered about cooking... is it going better?  Yes and no... I think one of the hardest things is when I look at a recipe and get excited about making it because it sounds so good but then I remember that I have to make the cream of chicken soup, the ranch dressing, the cheese sauce, or the refried beans.... I can't just open cans or bottles of stuff.  And when I think of all that work I just kind of give up and opt for something simpler.  And so we are eating very simple meals and my family complains very little.  I think they are already becoming less "picky" about food which is a good thing.  I enjoy trips to Nakumatt with Wayne. It takes us about 2 or 3 minutes to get there and it seems there is always an adventure of some kind.  The other day there was a man there with a big stack of hats on his head and many wares hanging from his belt... shoes, belts, and I don't know what all.  He made quite a scene and when we stopped to talk with him he said he is a "mobile shop". :)  We got a kick out of that and I wish so much we could've got a good picture of him.  I'm totally amazed at the music that comes over the loud speaker at Nakumatt!!  I have heard many English songs such as "Swing low, sweet Chariot" as well as beautiful songs such as "Hallal" sings.  I think most of the songs are Gospel songs.  We see many vehicles that have signs talking about God, His goodness, and inspirational sayings.  This eve. when we were out at Hippo Point a drunk came up to us and was even talking about God... saying things like, "God is good, all the time". :)  It would be a blessing to see more evidence of God in their lives. 

  On Fri. eve. we prepared a meal for visitors, Trevor and Regina Derstine as well as Trevors uncle Mark and his wife.  I think Trevors may have been the ones who started the "Reach Out Ministries" here in Kenya.  We also invited the single ladies from here.  Our plans changed though when we found out that Trevors and Marks weren't going to need supper after all, so we invited Joseph and Becky to join us instead.  We had barbecued chicken, rice, and cabbage salad.  I didn't need to make dessert because we had a special activity planned out on the lane after supper.  The youth played volleyball and we also had a farewell for Jason and Cynthia's family.  We enjoyed Coke and Fanta floats and salties.  By the way... when I was buying salties at Nakumatt that morning I was AMAZED to see that they have Bugles!!! And they're even the real Bugles brand like they have in America!!  I couldn't believe my eyes!!  The bad thing is they are very expensive so I used self control and left them on the shelf.  Trevor's and Marks joined us out on the lane that eve. and we VERY much enjoyed their visit!!  They are very interesting to visit with and we're so glad we got to meet them. 

   Its hard to believe that Jason's are actually gone now!!  They will definitely be missed!!  It was hard for me on Sun. when the church folks at Lela said "goodbye" to their dear pastor and his wife.  It was hard for them... some were crying. Its very obvious that Jason's had a very good relationship with the people here and so it makes it a bit hard to step in now and try to take Jason's place.  I know we won't be able to be just like them... we will need to just be ourselves and pray that the people will be able to adjust to us and our way of doing things.  Please pray!!! If we ever needed you to pray its now!  It looks overwhelming at times but I'm sure we will make it if we take a day at a time.  

  Wayne has been finding plenty to do... today he was helping George, a native man who cares for our flowerbeds and hedges, etc, to take out a short sidewalk that was being pushed up by tree roots.  He has school devotions in the morning, Bible study at church in the afternoon, Instruction class and message on Sunday.  Oh, a correction..... I had mentioned once that Wayne was put on the school board but he is actually the Principal. All the men here are on the school board.  So he has school related things to do sometimes.  I enjoy having him around the house when he's not out visiting or running errands in town.

   I was busy helping Becky at the guesthouse today cleaning up since Jason's moved out and there are visitors coming tomorrow.  Marlins are getting visitors as well as Charity so there will plenty of activity around here.  I started 7 loads of laundry today and made some of the beds after the sheets were clean.  I also made a cake for Janice's birthday.  We were invited to go with Jake's to Hippo Point in honor of her birthday.  Clarissa decorated the cake and we had a great evening.  Gramma Lois was there too as well as Miss Carolyn.  It rained part of the time and was a bit chilly but the sunset was absolutely beautiful over Lake Victoria!  Sad to say, we didn't see any hippos. 

  Its time to bring this "epistle" to a close.  Don't feel obligated to read all that I write. :)  Have a good day!  Clara

Shonda on her 12th birthsday

Lunch at a pizza place in Nakuru before unit meeting

Waiting for Unit Meeting to start (L to R: Mark Beachy, Dean and Barbara Jean Miller, Cynthia and Jason Beachy,
Jake and Janice Gingerich, Lavina and Marlin Stoltzfus.

Orientation

Nessa, with Heidi and Hanna Gingerich

Sunset off Hippo Point, Lake Victoria

Picnic at Hippo Point

Hippo Point Panorama

Good old Kenya dirt!  This was from the living room and dining room!  The main part of the
room was swept the day before!  Where does it all come from??

Greetings from Luo Land!  Our lives seem to be "picking up" now since Jason's are actually leaving us in a little over a week.  We're feeling the weight of the responsibility that is on us but with God's help we will make it, one day at a time. On Tues. we had a good day at Jennifer's Gardens where all the pastors and their wives, including native pastors from the Kisumu area, were together for a day of fellowship and good food! Wayne and Bradlyn and I travelled to and from with Mark and Mary Ellen Beachy and really enjoyed our visit with them. Joseph and Becky provided chicken for all of us that day and it was so yummy fresh from the grill.  Cynthia made cooked cabbage over the jiko and that was very tasty too.  We also had plenty of rice and potatoes with banana bread for dessert. These people love banana bread and we would enjoy finding a way for them to be able to make it over a fire.  Any ideas for us?  The problem may be the cost... it takes sugar, flour, eggs, and bananas. Some would not be able to afford all that.  The men and ladies had a separate little share time that day.  Rosemary (the one who was our language teacher) shared a devotional or topic with the ladies and she did a great job.  She spoke of how we can encourage our pastor husbands by being good wives.  I was challenged and saw much need for improvement in my life.  The day was nice except it rained some in the afternoon while some folks were trying to play games. The pastors love playing "mzungu" games like, Bocce Ball, Can-Jam and Corn Hole.  The interaction is wonderful! We left a bit early cause of the rain.  
  Wed. afternoon we had Bible study at the church instead of at someone's house.  We had a 50 shilling clothing sale that day and so I was initiated into some of my new responsibilities.  All the ladies were allowed to choose a medium or large dress for around .50 or else buy some fabric that we took along and choose a color that they want a dress made out of.  It was my job to collect the money and write down what color and size they need and anything extra they wanted to request with their dresses.  It was a bit hectic when they all wanted to pay at once but with Cynthia's help and encouraging them to only do one thing at a time.... we made it!  Our girls were at home all afternoon Wed. since there is no school after lunch, so I had a list of things for them to do for me.  Clarissa made Shonda's birthday cake and decorated it.  As happens frequently, the power went off while the cake was in the oven! :(  Clarissa quickly ran over to Tommys to ask permission to use their oven, then she ran back home, covered the cake, and quickly took it to Tommy's to continue baking!  I think God was looking out for her cause it didn't even flop! And it turned out more luscious and moist than ever! :)  
  I would appreciate if you could help me pray for an Asian lady here in Kisumu (can't remember her name) who we buy cashews and some other things from.  I like going to her house... its a very interesting place... more modern than a mud house by far... fairly big with nice furnishings (in Kenya standards).  I didn't see a stove in the kitchen, but there is a fridge and I've seen her cook over a small jiko on the floor.  She is a VERY busy lady.  She grinds all kinds of things like flour, and all kinds of spices, and seasonings.  I like getting cashews since they are much cheaper than at Nakumatt.  Then I buy ground nuts (peanuts) from the market lady and roast peanuts and cashews in the oven and season them with salt and sour cream and onion powder. Yummy!!  They satisfy my salt cravings so well and they're good for you!  Anyway... I like visiting with this lady cause she is so friendly and knows English quite well. She was telling me how its good to stay busy so we don't have so much time to think.  Her husband died when her youngest child was six.  She's so sweet and I would like to talk to her about God and how He can fill the void in our lives but I'm not sure how to start.  I think she may be Hindu because she has a red spot on her forehead.  It breaks my heart to think that she is serving a false god.  Wayne thinks maybe I should start by giving her Christian literature, such as the Seed of Truth magazine.  We love to give those magazines away!! Its so much fun to open the windows of the vehicle when we're going down the road, throw the magazine out and see how eagerly people reach for them.  Children almost fight over them. Most adults love them too. The other day as were going to Jennifers there were two boys and a little girl beside the road. The little girl appeared to be crying and the boy looked like he was threatening her with a stick!  Wayne threw 3 Seed of Truth magazines out for them and the fight stopped immediately. 
  Thurs. eve. was the first time that Wayne and I and Clarissa went along to the Russia (Government) Hospital to sing. We sang Luo songs, and some Swahili. I was so sad when I left that decrepit place!!  It was a relief that we could stay outside under a covered walkway to sing.  Everything seems so dirty and germy.   The wards are off of the covered walkways and the beds are so close together... its pathetic.  Nothing like privacy!! I saw no IV poles that I can remember... although I'm sure they use IV's sometimes.  Patients lay there curled up and you have to wonder what kind of care they are getting.  Tommys have seen so many people die there from wrong medications or just bad care I guess.  I think I would have to be deathly sick before I would consent to going there!!  I'm so thankful that there is a better hospital in town.  We can't be thankful enough for the good hospitals in America!!  I'm seeing I took far to much for granted when we lived there!!  
  Saturday was a more relaxed day and we did some special things in honor of Shonda's birthday.  We went to the animal market where we bought her a nice basket.  One vendor was begging me for 20 shillings to buy him a soda!!  It feels rude to deny him but if you start something like that there is no stopping and we had already bought a small motto from him.  Sigh.... From there we went to the "chip shack" where we ate french fries and drank sodas. Men sit around a fire peeling potatoes and then throw them into oil to fry.  They are quite good!  French fries are called chips here and chips are called crisps. :)  
  We are happy to report that replacements have been found for Tommy and Marji Wagler!  Gerold and Rebecca Millers family from the Georgetown, OH area have consented to come.  A year or two ago when Wayne had meetings at their church we were at Gerolds house for a meal.  If we'd have known that day that within several years we would both be living in Africa, we'd have been "floored"!!!  God moves in mysterious ways...
  We had some very exciting news this week when we found out about visitors from America who want to come see us!!!!!!!!!!  :)  Talk about making our day!!  Miss Kath and Lynita want to come as well as Joe and Glenda and dear little Tiffany!!!  That means a lot to us and we look forward to your visit!  
  This next week looks full with going to Nakuru on Tues. and staying til Wed. for our orientation as well as joint unit meeting.  We look forward to staying at Tonys house again.  Clarissa and the rest of the youth here in Kisumu plan to leave already tomorrow afternoon and be there for a volleyball game with the Nakuru youth tomorrow eve.  
   God bless your week!  Clara

Brad met this puppy when he and I and Maurice went visiting on Thursday

Chip Shack  Great chips!

Card board alien!

Nessa modeling a hat at the animal market

Rethatching at Jennifers Gardens

Great chicken Joseph!!

Cynthia cooking some good cabbage on the jiko

Pastors Meeting

Notice, the one man is holding a Seed of Truth