Decompress

I'm home. It was bigger, better, and harder than I thought it would be.  Coming home is always sweet, and yet hard.  I have to take time to decompress. Images of dirty babies, and hollow faces still flash in front of me.  Mental pictures of utter poverty contrast with my coffe maker,  the sounds of my praise music from my stereo this morning, my clean sweet girls sleeping in their beds this morning.Today I rest, upload pictures, share gifts with people I love. Tomorrow I start back into a beautiful wonderful life that I am overwhelmingly thankful for. Wonderful stories to come about God's presence in another land. So much to tell, but for today, I'm napping!

African Congo lines

Today was a first. I saw a wonderful congo/worship line all across the front of the sancturay.  The experience of worshipping in Magu, Kenya cannot really be put into words. To say that God was there and very real was an understatement. I am in love with Kenya, the people, the weather (Highs in the 80's lows in the 60's) and especially Paul Ligono and his family.

Unfortuantely, the internet is sketchy at best, and we are taking a few minutes in the public library to get caught up.  Doubt I will be able to post much but Gale Tinsley is keeping a detailed picture catalog for us! So many things we have seen and heard that it is hard to put it into words.

The poverty is beyond anything I've seen.....ever.  The roads are horrible.  The people are so loving and welcoming. Today in worship, it was surreal.  One of the few times in my life, when I felt as if God was overwhelming me with His presence.

Everyone is doing well. Clyde found out just now he has a new grandbaby.  Sally has kept us all on our toes reminding us about our malaria meds and mosquito spray.  Gale got sick on the plane, spent a  day drunk on Phenergan, and is back to her spunky self.  Got chased by a turkey this afternoon.  Kim, of course has attracted sweet African babies everywhere she goes.  Today a pretty little girl sat in her lap all the service.

We love you all so much.  We are having the time of our lives. Pray for strength for the team members, This ain't no youth group, but God is faithful and will keep us healthy.

Will try to post again soon!

I miss you Wayne and girls. We are so coming back here Wayne, I have not seen the first gutter anywhere and it has rained everyday so God has revelaed to me your ministry in Kenya!

I love you!

Kakamega

OK, see that little spot on the western side of this map? Kakamega?

That's where I am headed in about 48 hours.

Didn't sleep well last night. Got so many last minute details swirling around in my brain.

I am ready for this adventure. Last night our team finished packing meds and care packs.

It is so awesome to be a part of a family of believers.  My church family is as excited as I am.

There is a nightly prayer vigil while we are gone.  They are meeting every night at midnight. (when our day in Kenya begins)

Even one of my favorite older ladies hitched a ride with my pal Lauren

to make sure she gets there at midnight.

Another one of my mature lady friends, gave me an envelope of "tip" money yesterday.

It's good for all of us to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.

God is always working at all times all around us.

When He invites us to join Him, we gain a new perspective on our worldview

So what will we be doing? Malaria clinics mostly.

Working with children in the Serve International school

Falling in love with sweet African children.

I am praying for good internet connection so you can follow us every day right here.

I am also hoping Wayne and I can Skype.

Mostly, I'm hoping my ipod stays charged long enough to listen to Mark Driscoll.

Two nine hour flights.

Next time I post I'll be in Kenya

                                                   

Kenya checklist

1. Shots done- I HATE getting shots! Kim, my traveling buddy went with me so I tried to be brave and not bawl!
2. Hair cut- not sure how many times I'll be able to bathe, so my hair is a pixie cut. Wayne is not to thrilled about it and I assured him it is growing out after Kenya.
3. Backpack is in- My only splurge was a super awesome Keen backpack. My goal is to get all I need in this pack. 
4. Breakdown completed- I cried yesterday when I realized that I will be away from Wayne and the girls for two weeks.  I'm not good when I'm away from my family for very long. I always got homesick when I was a kid, and I still do.
5. Camera bought- Love, love love my new Nikon cybershot. It has a zoom lens that is great, but is compact and fits in my pocket.
6. Snacks bought- Going shopping with mom this weekend to but peanut butter and granola bars.  Don't know if I can survive on goat and rice in tiny African portions for two weeks.

Six days from today I'll be on my way!  Can't wait to go on this wild adventure!

Fourth of July

If the beauty of this cake is any indication of  our Fourth of July, you can clearly see that it was in the top ten summer celebrations in my life!  Wayne's sister came down, rented a house on the lake and we all swam, floated, and ate to our hearts content. I broke the curse of the ugly cakes with this beauty that was as delicious as it was beautiful, but not nearly as delicious as Wayne's famous Fourth of July ribs!  I would love to post more pics, but I never got off my float long enough to take any.

Knitted with love

I just finished this baby afgan this afternoon.

I love this pattern and I really love this "seafoam green"

My friend Rita will snuggle up her new grandbaby in this afgan.

The joy of a handmade gift is the love that went into it!