Just a bunch of pictures

WHO NEEDS A U-HAUL ?

 

Waiting for Bile study to begin

Jediah   4 months old  ** Photo credits go to Clarissa Yoder

Thanks Katie Troyer for the adorable outfit !

5 months old

 We took the "water" girls from SMBI to do some visiting one day. Eunice Ombam showed them how to "shell" maize and make chapattis.

good helpers :)

church nursery

Jr. is one of the friendliest little guys at church. His handshake is always more like a hearty whack accompanied by a big smile.

                              A school where Jake passed out some Bible story books.

Loaded up and ready to go. I think this was for an addition on a widows house..?

                        A morning at the park with 11 little people and my friend Glenda (that's her Tiffany with Joshua)

Jake made Chapatis for us, Sunday evening.

  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 :) 

Company and More Company

"I don't know if time has ever flown faster for me than it's been lately."I said to my husband the other morning. "It's hard to believe it's May already !"  Now today it's right at 8 months that we first stepped foot into our new Kenyan home. 
 Really? Already? And yet there's been so much "water over the dam" since then. I'll try to hit a few highlights from the last month or so.

Eating at Hang-over Hotel. Hard to see but there's fresh beef or something hanging right there in the kitchen behind Hannah.

 Minister's meeting was from Thursday noon to Friday noon. It involved lots of food, numerous topics, and a pleasant time with brothers and sisters from vastly different countries fellow-shipping together. We were privileged to host Marks and some of Markus' overnight..8 people.
 One Sunday we were going to do some visiting in the afternoon so instead of coming home in-between, we took a picnic lunch along and found a spot with a view along a narrow,rough mountain road.

Up on the mountain was a woman who was sick and we stopped to pray with her. Her Step-mother-in-law was there and was quick to reach for my baby. This was a wealthier family and they had a very nice stone house.

The next Tuesday evening Jacob brought the youth out to our place. Dean Millers (our Bishop) joined us for a supper of Ugali, sukuma-wiki, beans, hot-dogs (or sausage), and banana bread (of course). It was a good way to connect with the youth. I was a little apprehensive about some of it but it went well. In the evening we played games, then the boys slept at our place and the girls slept with Stacy in the 2 guest rooms. She had some humorous incidents to relate later. She showed the girls how to use a toilet and they were fascinated with how it swirled down when flushed. She showed them how to use the shower before leaving for a bit and when she came back they were taking turns watching each other shower. They discussed the supper and declared all but the hotdogs as "sweet!" (very good). But the one girl, Marin, declared, "I hope I never have to stare a sausage in the face again!" LOL !! I'd been told that hotdogs are a treat to them but I think it was a first for some of them and obviously NOT a treat. :)

The girl in bright pink is Marin. She's actually the only youth girl at 14 yrs. The others are supposedly 13 (if not at least it was convenient to say so for the occasion;} Amos, in orange is 14 also I think. He and Marin are in instruction class. Brian (front in blue and amos ride to church with us. He is 25 and one of the most dedicated sincere youth ! I think most of the other boys are around 17 or 18. The mazunga in the back is Dean's son and the other is Stacy.

  The next morning I was amazed how most of them had fixed their beds very neatly! After breakfast Jacob had Bible study with them. I wasn't in on that as I was doing dishes and taking care of little boys. Then they were supposedly going to play volleyball Jake had to do a few office and other things for a bit so they were kind of on their own. It sounded like they must be having a great game by the shrieks and laughter but when I looked out the window, just a couple of them were batting the ball around. Most of the others were delighted to use the see-saw, slide, swings, and bike that were out there.
 I did some laundry and the girls were so very intrigued with the wash machine. The girls went on a little walk and sang for the Luo class where Stacy was studying. When the came back they enjoyed coloring some pictures I'd printed out.  
 For lunch Jake picked up some chipotes and beans and put out the rest of the banana bread. Then we loaded up in two vans and headed for Bible study at Esther Jahenda's house. It was the furthest I've driven yet and went ok tho I guess I was holding my breath a bit going back the dirt/mud "road" to Esther's place. Praying and hoping I wouldn't bottom out or roll going over the worst ruts. Actually rut is hardly even the right word. The road was about the same width as the van..a little wider, and at the worst spot the left side of the road (rut) was probably a good 2 feet lower than the other side. But thank God, we made it !
   That Friday Stacy and I were working in the kitchen when Jacob came in announcing, "You've got visitors." Of all things, Marin and her sister had "come public" and come the whole way from Chuliumbo because "Tabitha left her sweater here and Marin was wondering something about instruction class."  Wow. Well, we got the sweater, fed them banana bread and chai and wondered when they would leave. Stacy and I ended up kinda taking turns entertaining them while the other worked. 13 yr. Tabitha played with the big legos a bit but then joined in a game of Memory with Marin, Mahlon, Joey, and I. They also were interested in Mahlon's floor puzzle and a little lego car. They said something about not wanting to go home till Sunday but we just laughed. Finally, not sure how to tell them that they really should be leaving, I said, "Let's have prayer together before you leave." They didn't have much to say to that but after prayer I walked them out to the compound gate. They left around 5:15pm.
  I missed church last Sunday with boys that had been battling the stomach flu. Thankfully they were mostly over it till Tuesday when the Nakuru people arrived for unit meeting. I was in charge of breakfast for 30+ people. The single girls took care of drinks and it's been agreed that we skip breakfast pastries so it was very simple with fruit and breakfast casserole. In the evening us and Winfred and Debbie's from Nakuru went out for supper and Winfred's spent the night. After they left Wed. I mostly had a relaxing day. 2 yr. old Tiffany was down a bit of the morning while her parents are in Luo class. Joshua's been having fever some on and off. Not sure if it's the teething or the flu.
 One more picture..

Joey being a piki-piki driver :)

 

Weather, Market, and Changes

  We welcome the rainy season. After a couple quite hot months, the rain showers, and thunderstorms arrived to cool the land. Such blessed coolness. This week's average temp for during the day is something like 82*s, dipping into the 60*s some nights.
 One afternoon and evening was rainy, dark, and so cool I shut some doors. I was on a high as I scurried about getting supper. As another woman said, "In Africa, it's FUN to get cold." I heartily agreed.
 This morning Jake left before breakfast. He and Joseph H. had to go 3 hours to Nakuru to sign some bank papers. He thought it should only take half hour and he'd be back in time to leave for Bible study at the normal time..1:10pm. I have to grin at his optimism. I think it was around 3pm that he called and they were just leaving. 

Zephania and Anna with the grandchildren that live with them.Anna's first husband died. She's a bit older than her 2nd husband who is just in his thirties. They are the ones who usually walk 1 1/2 -3 hours to church. I guess they have 2 places they live depending on work.
  

This is what happens when I leave Joshua with Stacy during sewing class...a big hair-bow/band. Surprisingly he left it on pretty long.
  And another trip to animal market.....

 

Jediah slept here while we shopped and  the grandmother who "owned" it sat outside tying the ends to a laso (?) I bought.

Jediah on my new laso. It's great to use as a small table cover, to sit on outside, carry the baby on my back (if I ever learn how), use as a hand towel when we are away. (Before eating the bring a basin around to wash our hands but no towels provided)...or as a shawl...I love the bright cheery colors!

After animal market, we tried out a different restaurant. Poor Joshua was so tired. We laughed as he tried to keep stuffing his mouth with fries while nodding and blinking as he fell asleep.Poor guy.

 If everyone helps bake cookies, where is mom to stand?

The school program was a couple weeks early because Tommy Waglers were moving back to the states before the end of the school term. They left yesterday and I bawled. They will be greatly missed.
The new family should arrive tomorrow afternoon. Also Stacy gets back from a quick trip she took to the states. Yay !

Bits n Pieces

After many times of trying and not being able to get onto my blogger to post, the solution was so simple. Thank you, Ruby Showalter !There has been so much proverbial water over the dam since I last posted. Some of you get Jacob's emails so I don't want to be overly repetitive.
 Christmas  wasn't necessarily "holly jolly" but rather more hurry, scurry, no family time, no glitter and gifts. Knowing we should focus on the true meaning of Christmas but missing the traditions and beauties of snow and family time and everything that normally goes with the holiday season gave us the "blues" a little. There was church in the morning so that meant trying to be out the door soon after 8AM. We grabbed some lunch at Java House on the way home.

Marlin Stoltzfus' hosted a special supper for everyone which isn't normally done here. That made it a little more special.
 Earlier in the week we did take time to do some Christmas cookies.
 Kenyan eating habits:  When you are fed. Eat. eat. EAT. The one place we went to visit, the served us dry bread, rice, and chai. Dean Miller who was along served us the first round and he gave me an appropriate small amount of rice. The host came back in the room and fussed at how little we ate. I allowed myself seconds of rice and the host proceeded to heap on thirds. We were eating plenty in my opinion but he seemed almost offended, wondering if we ate before coming so we wouldn't have to eat his food. "you should want to be fat!!" we are told. Being fat, I guess, is suppose to be a sign of prosperity.And I am amazed over and over how these skinny people tuck away huge amounts of food. Often after Bible Study the hostess will serve a hot drink and something to eat and usually a normal serving is maybe 2-3 cups..be it rice, or whatever.  I had some native sisters cut up chicken for me the native way. It was returned cubed with gristle and bone included. I used it and tried to make it the native way when we had a family from church over. The next time we had church people over I cut the chicken up myself but did my best to skip the gristle and bone. Now there is one fellow from church who seems to be a petty picky eater. He wondered why we took the bone out? What do we do with it? The bone is the best part. He declared. The next time he ate here, Jacob grilled chicken. Chicken is supposed to be special to the natives but I don't think he even tasted it. I was a bit annoyed at him but then realized I am no better. I've been guilty of not eating their chicken either. Tho the flavor was good it just looked too tough to even try biting into. So I guess we need to just be gracious with each other.
 Sometimes we are given things after church. I'm not sure if these are always gifts or if they are to be part of the offering. We've been given bananas, live chicken, jackfruit. etc. The jackfruit...are huge. smell terrible.( At first I thought it was someone's awful smelling feet). have white "glue" in them which is EXTREMELY hard to clean off of things. And I jokingly told my husband he is never allowed to bring one in the house again. The fruit itself isn't that bad tasting and we probably didn't know how to do it up. The gate-men are often the happy recipients of these gifts.
Hannah is presently more interested in learning Dutch than Luo. Most of her friends here talk Dutch with their families. My Luo learning hasn't really been happening except what I hear frequently. One dear old woman from church who can basically speak no English was so happy when I finally got a reply to her correct. She delightedly patted my cheek.
 Pregnancy isn't something really to be discussed it seems. Tho some seem more open about it than others. At Bible study this week, Jacob requested prayer for me as time for baby's arrival nears. I don't think that was really proper. Later one of the women asked me why I don't stay home and only come to church on Sundays. I didn't tell her that Sundays which consist of all the children along, backless benches, and being gone approx. 5 1/2 hours are more tiring than Bible studies which consist of often just taking one or 2 children along, maybe being gone 4 1/2 hrs, and having slightly more comfortable seats (if in someone's home).  The next day I was doing some visitation with Jacob and someone once more admonished me to stay home. I figure I'll stay home more when baby does arrive and I may as well get out while I can.

I took these pictures yesterday while out n about. Jacob needed to verify something at a school for one of the church members. These children were delighted when Joey rolled the window down and waved to them. Later, waiting somewhere again, Joey took this position and told me, "Mommy this is comf-able!"

Today the children had a rather unusual school day. Just for something different, the are having school from like 2:30- 8:30 with supper at someone's house. (Usually they come home for lunch.Maybe I can persuade Jake to take the rest of us out for supper. It feels too hot to even be in the kitchen today) This morning I went for hopefully the last check-up before baby comes. Yes, I've done some extra cleaning, have some meals in the freezer, baby stuff washed, and feeling QUITE ready for the big event. The next picture is of my doctor. It's not unusual for her to sing or hum while she works at her  desk.

All the preschoolers except Mahlon, lounging outside our gate.                                                                                                                   The following is copied from an email from one of the others in the compound :  So we scheduled to meet with the bride and groom of tomorrows legalization at Ahero tomorrow, Tobias Odongo and his non-member bride, Emma. We wanted to go over some procedural things for the service and also just some last minute marital things. Got a call around 11:00 this morning that Emma gave birth to a son this morning at 9:00 but we can still go ahead with meeting them to see what the plans for the wedding are going to end up being. So I go out, pick both Tobias' and several others and we head for the market to find Emma's mother. From there we went to the hospital to see what the bride thinks of the wedding. She wants to go ahead and so the brothers worked with the hospital to have Emma discharged tomorrow for the wedding. We plan to go to the hospital to pick the bride and go directly from there to the church for the wedding followed by a Bible study/reception at Tobias Odongo's home. Imagine! Eric got a good laugh out of today's new mother being tomorrows bride. Let's hope she does not faint.........So..... that's what they did. New baby right up there with the bridal couple and to make matters worse the baby isn't even the groom's. Something about the groom is older and finally his parents found this girl and just moved her right in. He was very against it and after awhile she left only to return again a week or so later. As I understand it, when the ministry met to try to help solve the problem, the groom suddenly decided, whatever, he wants to marry her after all. Tho not married before, she now has three children but that doesn't seem to be a big deal. In fact some men prefer that their woman has a child before marrying them so they know she is capable of such. Can you imagine?   

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