Thursday, June 2, 2016

  This past Sunday was lovely. If there is a "normal" Sunday this was it. There was church from 10:00-12:10 or so. We dropped off a number of people, and came home. (Stacy wasn't with us this time because she joined some others at a different church.) We actually mostly had left-overs for lunch because it seemed foolish to make more food with all that was in the fridge needing to be used up.(We'd had company Friday evening.) After a restful afternoon we did join some others at Joe Allens for the evening and everyone brought something to eat. I enjoyed my first game of can-jam and Jake and I won. Yah! :)
 It was the first "normal" Sunday we'd had for approximately 8 weeks. Maybe longer. One of those we had a picnic between church and visiting people, one was messed up with taking someone to the hospital after church and I guess we had company all the other Sundays. It kinda all blurs together after awhile. So that's why I was so delighted with last Sunday. The one sad thing was that Joseph and Becky flew out, heading to the states for her Grandmother's funeral.
 Monday was lovely too. The men and women each were to have a meeting so we piled into a couple vehicles and headed about 2 hours away to the Kakamega Forest and a lovely Christian retreat. Oh, the joys of plush furniture, big windows unhindered with bars, of quiet solitude and beautiful nature without the noise and heat of the city. Our morning was taken up (us women) discussing things to stock in the new food pantry, going over some guidelines, and Kay led a discussion on how to best reach the Luo women. During this time we were served hot drinks and cookies by the capable staff. After a late lunch, we hung out in the little chapel and some played games, some of us hiked the path through the forest, took pictures, and relaxed in those comfy couches some more before heading home again.  Jediah was the only child along so I was good and ready to see the rest of my little crew again.
 Tuesday was a busy catch-up day. Stacy helped a lot in the morning with laundry and baking. In the evening was Marlin Stoltzfus' farewell at Deans. Grilled chicken, baked beans, chips, chapattis, potato salad, bars and watermelon were thoroughly enjoyed.
 Wednesday mornings I like to keep fairly relaxed with a full afternoon with Bible study. A bit of the morning there were 5 little boys and 5 little girls playing around here. One last fun day before Lanisha and Jerlyn, their little friends leave. Bible study was at Willis and Sarah's place. On the way home I'm sure we had close to 25- 30 people stashed/ stacked in the van. Stacy and I wanted to count as they got out later but when we dropped them off a drunk came up to the van and was trying to talk to us so that was a bit distracting.
Tried to get a photo of the load but it didn't turn out so well
The children at a museum the other Monday for family day. We enjoyed going with Linford and Kay Borntrager
Visiting in Angeline's house.
 Jake wanted me to go out visiting with him today but it seemed most of the compound was out n about today and we decided it'd be best if I just stay home with the children. Joey did ride along with him then. Church is canceled for tonight and I'm glad for a free evening. This week has been alot more relaxed than some and I'm enjoying that even tho I do enjoy the busy weeks too. We'd been averaging company twice a week and just maybe this week will slip by without any..fat chance :)
not a real good picture but this is old Asmond whom Jake has been keeping a close eye on and helping to doctor back to health.
 These were taken at the Rondo Retreat in the Kakamega Forest

                                               Bread Anyone??
One evening our family and some visitors sang this song when the compound was together. It was our theme song before we left and continues to be an encouragement to me. There's more to it but this is the first verse and chorus:
                                                                 He Giveth More Grace
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase,
To added affliction He addeth His Mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

His Love has no limit, His grace has no measure;
His power has no boundaries known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth and giveth and giveth again.
                                   -Annie Johnson Flint
If you want to hear more of Life in Kisumu, head over to " Kisumu Yoders" and enjoy their blog :)