Trust this finds all of you doing well. We heard of one dear friend whose father died this week, and it is hard to be so far away but knowing we are in God’s will, we continue on in peace. We have hit more transitional bumps as we get used to the responsibility of 9 more boys (we lost one to the 6th grade dorm-just too smart for us!). Much of my stress centers around the fact that every single thing I do is a major decision, because everything is so new and now affects far more people! As I learn the ropes, trip up with poor decisions and just get to know the boys better, all will become easier. But right now it is exhausting! I am finding my strength in the Father, and more sleep.

I am going to back track again, because I never shared about going to the Masai church down in the valley. I know Steve probably shared, but here is my version. We took our most creative road trip yet, to get there. There has been a recent car-jacking on the road we would usually take, so we all take the alternate route also known as the Kijabe Town Road for awhile for safety purposes. Once again, the word ‘road’ is used most loosely; it is an old, old, dirt road with ruts older than me (and almost as deep as Matthew is tall). At one point I felt like I was in an Evil Kinevil jump-as we approached this particular hill, you just looked out into the sky! We switched to grandma low and went down in a nosedive, but thanks to an experienced driver, made it just fine. Then there is the part of the road that just disappears from the washout 2 years ago, and you take off on the ‘shoulder’ for about a mile.

But we made it safely to the valley and on through the dust to the church, passing a real anomaly along the way-an ultra modern pumping station for a gas line from the coast. Kenya is such a land of contrasts. We arrived at the church after the service had begun, but were welcomed graciously by all. Most of the men, as well as the pastor, were not there that Sunday because they had gone to another area to help begin a church. This meant the main English speaker, the pastor, was not there. They decided to translate the main points of the service into Swahili for us! I actually followed about 1/3 of it and was pretty pleased with myself.

The church building was constructed of tin. Jim Hoeksema, whose family we drove down with, had designed and led the construction of it and his home church in Iowa had sent the funds. They really love Jim there. It was about 15 x 25, had a dirt floor and benches to sit on. As the worship is pretty lively, it got real dusty in there! There were mostly women and children and just a few men. We would sing, then someone would pray, then more singing, then someone would share, then singing. We really enjoyed it. Afterwards as we greeted everyone-lots of hand shaking in Africa-the women all gave us gifts. The Masai women love beads and doing elaborate and intricate beadwork which they wear around their necks, arms and in their ears. It is quite pretty. Married women, especially, have rounds and rounds of beads around their necks and in their ears. They don’t pierce their ears as we are familiar with piercing-they put larger and larger plugs in their ears until the openings are about 2-3 inches in diameter (both men and women do this), then the women wrap beads around the lover part of the opening. Anyway, the women were taking bracelets and necklaces off of themselves and giving them to us. Quite a keepsake and a reminder of the faith and graciousness of these brothers and sisters in Christ.

It was very special to worship with these fellow believers. We couldn’t communicate much past the basic greetings, but our hearts were knit together because of Jesus and His love for us all. Please pray for these folks. They are very threatened by the drought. Masai are traditionally cattle herders and the valley is over-grazed and parched right now.

And now back to the present…we are getting to know our boys more and more, both the good and the bad! I am able to spend some time each morning praying for each one and for wisdom to nurture them as they each need it. They are fun guys. I’m even learning a few Korean phrases! This next week end is Titchie Field Day (Titchie is what they call the elementary school and Titchies are the elementary aged kids-no one knows why, but it is!) and about half of the parents will be coming to campus for the festivities. Please keep this time in your prayers too.

Thanks so much for your continued interest and prayers. I would love a few more personal e-mails. Steve always gets 3 times as many as me!! Take care and know that you are in our prayers.

Love, Nancy