Skirts

Earlier this week Mom and I (Em) went shopping with my cousin (an expert shopper) for clothes. The culture in the area in Kenya we are working in is very conservative, so our clothes have to be especially modest.
Long skirts are a staple for women and are worn most of the time except for a few exceptions (Safari, inside our house, Nairobi).

Em's "new" skirts

I found an abundance of awesome skirts at a second hand store, and found lots that I like and am looking forward to wearing. Mom unfortunately didn't find as many that suited her, but later when she went out again with the boys she was able to pick up some nice things. The boys have also been out shopping and getting clothes for Kenya. Our wardrobes are coming together but there is still more shopping to be done...

Buying clothes has been really exciting, and has begun to make our trip to Kenya become more of a reality, as I picture myself wearing them in Kenya.

It is going to be hard to part with the nice clothes we have recently acquired when we leave them behind, but I know there will be some Kenyan people who will really enjoy having our clothes when we leave.

There are lots more shopping trips to be made, many more things to buy and prepare...but it will eventually get done...God always brings things together!

Spontaneous

spon⋅ta⋅ne⋅ous
1. coming or resulting from a natural impulse or tendency; without effort or premeditation; natural and unconstrained; unplanned
2. (of a person) given to acting upon sudden impulses.

Spontaneous is what causes the weather to suddenly start to snow,

and create a winter wonderland.

Spontaneous is what makes you decide to take a drive...

and end up here:

Spontaneous can change a day when you would be normally sitting at home...to a day spent sinking in powder.

Spontaneous is the decition made after discovering you have a day off and 1 1/2 feet of fresh powder.

Spontaneous makes a day fun and exciting. Spontaneous is an adventure!

~~~~~

The stunning beauty of the mountains and the gorgeous day is awe inspiring. Everyone needs to take a break and be inspired by creation. These days taken away from a busy life to enjoy creation are refered to as "Mental Health Days" in our house...they are very refreshing days!

Miracle at Tenwek

When we first received the book, Miracle at Tenwek: The Life of Dr. Ernie Steury, by Gregg Lewis, our whole family was excited to read it. Dad picked it up first and read through it, then Mom read it and finally it was my turn to read the book. My parents would be talking about what a great book it was and I would walk out of the room because I wanted to read it for myself. I finally finished reading it and want to share some of this awesome story with you. If you want to read this book and don't want the story spoiled don't read any further and go pick up your copy of the book.

The book follows the journey of Dr. Ernie Steury and the growth in the ministry of Tenwek. God's provision, strength and miracles are evident throughout the pages.

An Indiana farm boy although not interested in the field of medicine went to medical school with the intention of bringing his medical skills to Kenya to serve in Tenwek hospital. After completing his education he arrived at Tenwek with his wife as the first (and only) resident physician. His arrival was an answer to prayer to all the current staff and many others who had been diligently praying for a doctor to come.

The hospital was a very limited facility. Surgery was conducted in a room so small the scrub nurse would have to crawl under the table to get to the other side. The hospital would be so full numerous patients would be in each bed and there would be patients sleeping under the beds and in the hallways and chapel, filling up all the available floor space.

God answered many prayers and Tenwek eventually expanded to include numerous new wards, improved equipment and supplies, a hydroelectric dam to supply electricity to the Tenwek buildings, arrival of new doctors to help, assistance of WMM (World Medical Missions) supplying short term doctors, miraculous physical and spiritual healing of many people...

Em reading...

In my spare time after finishing school I have been reading the biographies/autobiographies of great men and women of God and their service around the world. While reading many of the books I picture myself going to the places where they served. Throughout my reading of Tenwek, it was really neat, knowing our family will be going there. Reading about Tenwek and its amazing ministry is really inspiring. Our family is blessed to have the privilege of working at Tenwek, even if only for a few months…it is so exciting!

What are you waiting for...read it for yourself!

Shots

"OWW!" is a common sentiment echoed through our house today as everyone went for our shots this morning (except Dad who already had his).

We ran some errands after visiting the travel doctor and having forgotten that he actually had shots, when we were walking into the house Big Bro was rubbing his shoulder and commenting that it was a bit sore, but couldn't figure out why...then Mom commented that it was from his shots..."oh yah...that would be why..."

"OWW! It hurts when I use this arm," Little John complains, "Use your other arm" pipes up Big Bro from the table, "But I got two shots in that arm and it hurts too!" Fortunately the pain will cease...at least until Little John's next visit...

Little John's sad face

It is a small suffering that must be endured, and the suffering pales in comparison to the awesome adventures to occur in the places you can travel with your yellow card and other shots...it is so worth it! But keep in mind we are still suffering and if you came up to any of us today and give us a friendly punch in the shoulder...beware! you might just get clobbered!