An Adventure with The God of Hope

If we are Facebook friends, then you know I rarely post.  If I sacrifice my sleep to surf the internet, I would rather look at YOUR pictures and read the things going on in YOUR life.  So, four days back in the United States, my schedule is returning to busy and I do not anticipate having much time to blog.  But before I go, I wanted to pen some of my final thoughts.

I love the Lord. 
He amazes me.  

For an entire year, the Lord quickened me to notice and meditate on the word, "HOPE."  Everywhere I went my eyes were drawn like a magnet to the word "HOPE".  Walking past someone on the street, I would read the word "HOPE" on their t-shirt.  Meandering through a store, I would pick up a greeting card with the word "HOPE."  For Christmas my sister, Chelsea, bought me the decorative wall hanging word "family." But, unfortunately, by the time I got it home, I noticed a sizeable scratch in the black paint.  Wanting to display the word "family," with some pictures, I took it to Hobby Lobby for an exchange.  But, you guessed it...  Hobby Lobby was out of the word "family" but they had the word, "HOPE". 

It is embarrassing to admit that God had to start a year in advance preparing my heart with the theme of "HOPE".  When God sent us to Africa, the needs I saw were so great I said, "Lord, we are just the Finch family from Weatherford.  What can I do that is going to make any difference?"  The Lord answered me with His word.  He said, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Romans 15:13
God is THE God of Hope! 
In closing, I believe as a family we ushered in the God of HOPE.  After going into the orphanages and praying for the children who were HIV positive, we received an email which read,"When you prayed for the children with HIV, they were filled with hope."  On more than one occasion, we were told, "Many missionaries come to Africa.  But, you are the first to bring your family."  Just our presence as a family seemed to bring HOPE.

Before I sign out, I will share with you the scripture I camped on during the trip and continue to do so now that we are home.  While Paul seems to thrive in the African environment, I loved the people but found the conditions to be quite challenging.  So daily I prayed for endurance and encouragement.  Romans 15:5 says,

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." 

The second part of that scripture I continue to pray for Paul and I, "give us a spirit of unity among ourselves as we follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth we may glorify God." 

Thank you for following us on this adventure and I pray that the God of Hope will fill you with joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Goodnight and sweet dreams, Danielle

"Welcome Home!"

"May the Lord repay you for what you have done.  May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.  Ruth 2:12 

"May the Lord reward  you well for the way you treated me today."
1Samuel 24:19

The entire time I was in Africa I really struggled.  Like a scratched vinyl record, the daily soundtrack running through my head was, "Danielle, Danielle you are so spoiled." 
So, I get back home and take a look at what I came home to. 

My lifelong friend and classmate, Casie Carter, drove all the way to Weatherford to tie balloons on our front porch chair.

Kenneth and Lisha Copeland came over with home grown mouth watering peaches and cantalope.

Jenn Montgomery filled the chair with scrumptious loaves of banana bread and sugar cookies. 

Micah's friend, Baylor White, and my nephews, Simon, Jared and Titus came over to welcome the boys home.

Crossing the threshold of our front door, I  discovered that my mom and sister  (Ms. Spic and Ms. Span) had come to my house, dusted, vacuumed, mopped AND stocked the pantry and refrigerator.

Yes, the scratched vinyl record was right, I am spoiled, extravagantly loved and  lavishly blessed.

As much as I could try, I will never be able to repay you for praying for us, providing for us, encouraging us, and taking care of our belongings.  So, to take a scripture on fasting out of context, I pray that

your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 

Matt 6:18

"May the Lord reward you well for the way you have treated me today."

1Samuel 24:19

 

First stop was for mexican food at Pappasitos.

We went through customs in Detroit, Michigan and I really appreciated the man saying, "Welcome Home."

While we were gone, my mom and dad visited Fredericksburg and they bought us one of every animal we posted on the blog.  So, the next time I go to Africa, I plan to visit the diamond mines of Rwanda and I will be posting pictures of some BIG karats.  

(I make myself laugh.)

     Did I tell you it is winter here in Kenya?  The temperature has fluctuated between 82 and 85 degrees and the Africans are freezing.  Mommas have their babies wearing winter caps with ear coverings. Gas station attendants, fueling our car with petrol, are wearing three layers of shirts, a down coat and a winter hat.  And when stranded in traffic, men come up to the car selling sunglasses, maps AND winter gloves.  Now, I know what a native Colorado resident thinks when he sees a Texan spring skiing in a ski bib.  "What?  You think this is cold?  This is t-shirt weather!" exclaims the snowboarders.  I feel the same here in Africa.  I suppose it is all boils down to what you are used to.

     On Wednesday morning before the African sun peaked on the horizon, we packed the "boot" or trunk and headed for the East Coast of Africa.  By 2:00 in the afternoon we arrived safely at Nyali Beach off the coast of Mombasa.  Micah and Kaden needed a place to run and play and Paul and I neeeded an emotional break.  Let me explain.

     Because our skin is white, most people wrongfully assume that we are wealthy Americans with deep pockets and a bank account reflecting many digits.  So people of all ages, with all types of personal and organizational needs do not hesitate to ask us for financial help.  On a daily basis, for four weeks straight, we have been asked to give money to those in need.   So, to a limited extent, I can now relate to the pressure wealthy people experience when they are continually asked and expected to donate to every charitable cause.

     Let me be real transparent.  I have been in need and I have asked for assistance.  I understand desperation, especially when it involves my children and I do not judge the people asking us for help.  Paul and I have been abundantly blessed by our family, friends and TCA and we want to give.  So, when we are asked, we help as much as we are able and we always encourage the people to seek God as their source.  We tell them, "I will help you but my ability to help is limited.  While this is all I can do, I will pray with you.  I will ask God for His provision and blessings on your life."

    I tell you the truth, Paul and I are walking out the encouragement we are giving.  On January 8th, Paul was laid off from Merck Pharmaceuticals and he has been relentlessly sending resumes, applying for jobs and interviewing but nothing has opened up.  So our coming to Africa and giving of what we don't have has been a journey of faith; trusting our Heavenly Father to provide for us everything we need for life both now and when we return.  The Lord has been so faithful.  If you helped make this trip possible, it was the Lord that encouraged you to do so AND I believe your obedience will be rewarded.  May God bless you with His extravagant love!

     Ok, if you are still with me you must be wondering, "How in the world did Danielle start with winter in Kenya, travel to Mombasa and then end up here?"  I admit that was a wild rabbit.  So, as I was saying, Paul and I needed an emotional break and Micah and Kaden room to run.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/s5lfklxbbt_iMRVsCnpUUw?feat=directlink

The idea of having "room to run" I took from Micah.  Our second afternoon in Mombasa Micah said, "Mom, can we please stay one more day?  We can run here."  At our apartment in Nairobi, the boys do not have room to run or grass to wrestle in.  Thank you Jenn Montgomery for taking care of our house, dogs and lawn.  When Micah and Kaden return, they will be ready to play.  So come one come all!  If you have boys who like to ride bikes, wrestle on the trampoline, run barefoot through the grass, play baseball and soccer, ride wave boards or any other heart pumping activity you are welcome at our house.

     Nyali Beach in Mombasa was a lot of fun.  The boys enjoyed it so much we ended up staying three days.  Micah and Kaden were very fortunate to have a lot of first time experiences.  Together they sailed on a catamaran, rode on a camel, drank coconut juice and Micah, because he is 10 yrs old, was able to take an introductory bubble maker scuba diving lesson.  Paul had the opportunity to take a shallow water dive in the Mombasa Marine Park and I took lots of pictures and slept like a baby. 

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Wart Hog

Something is so wrong with this picture. 
The Wart Hogs took over the playground so Micah and Kaden headed for the Pistachio trees.

     When we were at the Masai Mara, we came upon some wart hogs and our safari driver said, "Wart Hogs are the stupidist animal ever.  They will be in danger, run 20 feet and stop because they forget why they are running." 
     So, tell me the truth.  Do you ever go into the pantry or garage to get something and then stand there because you have forgotten what you intended to get?   

WART HOG!   

"Wart Hog" has now become our family joke.  Anytime Paul and I forget what we were after we say, "Wart Hog."

Warning: Pictures in this post could cause insomnia.

Arachnids and Reptiles

Oh, the adventures my boys get me into.

 When I hear laughter and the words, "Oh, come on mom." I know I am in trouble.

All I have to say is, "NO WAY.  Don't even think about bringing these souvenirs home."

Kaden finally finds a considerable option. 

Lake Bagoria and Lake Baringo

     At Convergence Church we sing a song and the lyrics go something like this, "It's going to be great.  It's going to be wild.  It's going to be so full of HIM!"  For the Finch Family's trip to Africa 2010, that is our theme song.  It's been great.  It's been wild and it's been full of Him!

     As Paul and I laid down to sleep, we were overwhelmed with thankfulness and awe as we reflected upon all the open doors of opportunity the Lord has provided for us here in Kenya.  From the slums of Maganga to the governmental office of the Assistant Minister of Justice we have brought the HOPE of Jesus.  If there is one thing I can say for certain, it is that God himself planned this trip!  Without fail, everywhere we have been Paul has been asked, "When can you come back to Kenya?  Can we have your email address?  Can you come to my local area and teach?  Can we have more time with you on your next visit?"  The African people hunger for truth and we have been told over and over, "When you come back, you will see the lives you have changed.  These people will take this truth and they will not forget it.  They will apply it to their lives and their lives will forever be impacted." 
     Now, I can see why Paul loves Africa so much.  The mission field is the land of his annointing and the place he makes a difference.
     On our way out of town, arrangements had been made for us to meet the Mayor of Nairobi.  So, we got up earlier, headed downtown to City Hall, and then we waited.  Twice the Mayor was called into meetings and our time to meet him was pushed back.  Wanting to get on with our trip to Lake Bogoria, Paul and I were both ready to move onward but the lobbyist, who had prearranged our meeting, encouraged us to wait.  Finally, almost three hours past our scheduled appointment time, we found ourselves sitting in the Mayor of Nairobi's office.  Our meeting with him was brief but powerful.  We met him, prayed for him, God's presence came and we (Benjamin, Habakuk, Paul and I ) all felt the atmosphere in the office shift.  Once we were out of City Hall, we stood by our car and went, "Wow, did you feel that?"  The atmosphere in the office and the countenance of the Mayor was different after we prayed.  It was tangibly incredible and I wish we could have opportunities like that in the United States.
     From there we were driven by Samwell, one of  Minister Cheptumo's personal drivers, to Lake Bogoria.  Our drive was comical.  Minister Cheptumo is so respected and loved by the people in his constituency, that they see his car coming and they wave and yell to him.   Unfortunately for the people, Mr. Cheptumo was not riding in his normal car with us but in the car behind us, with his body guard.  "So, why does Mr. Cheptumo need a body guard?" I wondered.  My question was answered when Mr. Cheptumo's driver passed us on the road and we saw a man run along side of his car, grab hold of the luggage rack, jump up on the sideboard and try to talk to him while the car was in fast motion.  I could hardly believe what I was seeing.  Micah and I were in shock as we watched Mr. Cheptumo,'s body guard, from the back seat, trying to knock the man off the car.

     Lake Bogoria sits at the base of Eastern Wall of the Great Rift Valley.  It has a closed drainage system so the water is alkaline and grows microscopic algae, a favorite food source of the Lesser Flamingo. All along the lakeshore are thousands upon thousands of pink flamingos.  And thanks to Kaden's generous heart, I will be coming home with my very own PINK flamingo souvenier.  And to make it even better, Kaden found a gold and diamond hoop earring which he put around the flamingo's neck.  Pink and bling, my two favorites.  What a young man!      

  

In addition to Pink Flamingos, Lake Bogoria has several natural hot geysers which spew hot water high into the air. If you take your shirt off, you can enjoy a steamy open air sauna.  (If you remember the song from Sesame Street, sing along with me, "One of the kids is not like the other...")

The water was so hot, Paul tied a bag of eggs onto a tree branch and we enjoyed boiled eggs. 

Mid day we left Lake Bagoria National Reserve and travelled to Lake Baringo.  Lake Baringo is the home to my favorite consumable fish, the Tilapia.  Unfortunately, the Talipia were spawnings so we did not get to fish.  But... we did take a boat ride and here is what we saw.The crocodile was not bothered by us in the least.  He just swam in front of our boat and went about his businness.  On the other hand, a momma hippo did not appreciate us getting between her and her calf.  She saw us, went underwater, and the reeds starting moving towards us.  Nothing was going to stand in between her and her baby. Us included. 

 

We were outta there.  Good bye Lake Baringo!

The Masai Mara

"Oh, she'll be comin' round the mountain..." 
Three days ago we headed down the mountain, traveled southwest across the Great Rift Valley, and within five hours we entered the famous Masai Mara.  There we witnessed some of God's creation at its best.  The air was fresh and clean (Unless of course, you were downwind watching a flock of vultures finish off a wildebeast carcass left from a pride of lions.)  The mountains were majestic.  The yellow grassland swayed in the wind like rippling waves.   The animals... you can tell me what you think.

Can you tell we had a magnificent and memorable time? 
     Before we left for Africa, I went to the Weatherford Public Library and checked out all the African books and videos I could find.  Every night before bed, and sometimes during dinner, I would read to Micah and Kaden from the African books.  Before we left, Micah and Kaden had learned some basic Swahili words and how to count.  They learned about currency conversion, and of course the Great Migration. 
     The Great Migration:  South of Kenya is Tanzania, home of the Serengeti.  When you cross the border from Tanzania into Kenya, the Serengeti system becomes the Masai Mara.  Every year, 3 million  wildebeast and the zebra make their annual migration.   While they are eating the plains of the Serengeti, the Masai Mara is in the rainy season (lasting from late April - May).  The rains are typically over by June, the grass begins to grow and the annual migration begins in late July and early August.  Well, this year, the rains came early, the grass grew and the migration had begun.  We were so blessed!  We got to see the wildebeast and zebra herds stampeeding across the plains of Africa.  They ran so fast you could hear their hooves trampling the ground and the grasslands swishing across the sides of their body.  The shear numbers of them were amazing!  We had just finished watching a pride of nine lions and were driving off when Kaden turned to look behind him.  Instantly he said, "Mom! Dad! Look!" and from over the ridge the wildebeast and zebras came barreling down the hillside stampeeding past us, almost single file.  And as far as we could see from the east to the west, thousands of them passed us by.
     The second great Discovery Channel experience was watching a Cheetah stalk, attack and kill a Thompson Gazelle, and then drag it by the throat twenty five feet from our safari van.  Micah and Kaden were beside themselves with excitement.  Kaden, was yelling, "Mom, and Dad last night I prayed and asked God if I could see this."  Now, I question whether or not Kaden prayed that specifically but...  he and Micah both are wild, adventurous boys.  Of course, they inherited it from their dad. 
     I better to get to sleep.  We decided to take the Assistant Minister of Justice up on his offer to spent the weekend with he and his family at Lake Bogoria.  His treat!  On Sunday, Mr. Cheptumo has arranged for the pastors, in his constituency, to meet and Paul has been given the opportunity to teach and encourage them for a couple of hours.  Then we will return and be home by dark. 

Five Days in the Interior (Bush)

    We are back from the interior and our lives are forever changed.  God was with us, He protected us and the people blessed us!        During our five day stay, three people accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior.  And you should see the Africans celebrate!  They sang, they danced and they praised the Lord.  We prayed for physical healing and the people testified to being healed from respiratory and chest pain, back pain and sharp stomach pains.  We walked from village to village, meeting with moms and children under the shade of a tree.  Paul taught the word, we gave a few prophetic words and people were encouraged.
But, honestly, I am not sure who was impacted more, the people of Mwingi, Ngongoni, or me?   I tell you the truth, I am learning some lessons. 
     The women of the church amazed me the most.  Despite our language barrier, they welcomed me with open arms and were the most incredible servants I have ever seen.  Every morning four or five women, carrying babies on their backs would walk for miles to Pastor Makonge's house gathering wood along the way to build fires for cooking and boiling water.

      Our water was drawn from the well with a bucket and we gathered our daily provision from the chamba (garden).  Without running water or electricity, the laundry is all washed by hand and the women  INSISTED on keeping ours clean. 

     The bush Africans have the most incredible sense of community.  From sunrise to late at night, family, friends, neighbors and the community at large were coming and going, stopping in for a cup of tea, a bowl of porridge or any number of meals you can create from corn, beans, potatoes and an occasional chicken.  In African culture, if you have 10 members in your immediate family, you better prepare enough food for 18-20 because YOU WILL HAVE guests. 

The women in the picture on the left were making Chapti's (similar to a very thick tortilla) while the others were cooking in the kitchen.    

     As I mentioned in our last post, the area we were in was heavily saturated with religion and witchcraft.  Pastor McKonge had warned us and told us to have prayer covering before we left Nairobi.  He said that many ministers have had vehicle accidents traveling to and from Mwingii.  The day before we were to leave, Paul saw in a vision the witchdoctors gathering.  Fifteen minutes before leaving our apartment, Rick Montgomery from our home church, skyped.  It was 2:45 AM Rick's time and he woke up, felt led to pray, and gave us a call.  Here is what happened. 

     Just as the Lord had showed Paul, two witchdoctors had indeed gathered together and were found walking in circles around Pastor Nicholas' church.  When discovered, the witchdoctors were run off.  The next day, one of the two withdoctors was found running naked and out of his mind near Pastor Nicholas' house.  Apparently the weapon the enemy formed against us did not prosper and in fact was returned to the sender!  But that's not all... 

After visiting Pastor Nicholas' church, we went to his home, which is nestled at the foot of some very large mountains.  As we were walking up to his home, we were watching three young boys walking their goats down the side of the mountain.   In the presence of several witnesses, we saw one of the three boys fall conservatively 90 feet from a precipice 400 feet high, bounce off the side of the granite mountain, flipped over and slammed to the bottom below.  Miraculously, the young boy landed on his feet, regained his composure, and began walking after his goats.  Everyone that observed the incident, told us that had the boy been hurt, the Kamba tribe would have superstitously attributed the boy's death to our presence in the area.   Our ministry would have been discredited and we probably would have been run out of the region.   Oh, the faithfulness of God.

     Without calling ahead, we showed up at a public school, met with the headmaster and administrator and found favor with them.  The headmaster called all her teachers together and we were able to visit with them for about 10 minutes.  Then, as only God could have coordinated, the school had previously called a meeting of parents and they were already assembled.  Paul was able to encourage the parents to train their children in the way they should go.  But first, they need to know the way to go so he shared Christ with them, the students and the teachers.  Woo Hoo !!  We left a soccer ball and the children were thrilled.   The school's gymnastic team performed and Micah and Kaden tried running hurdles and long jumping with the boys.

    

 Before we left, we hiked a mountain and peered into a cave where the Africans hid during the colonial period.  One of the men brought a gun just in case we came across a wild animal but fortunately we forgot to bring a "torch" (flashlight) so we did not enter the cave.  We did however see the bats flying in and out of the cave and the boys thought that was pretty cool.

     Driving in Africa at night is NOT an option.  We made that mistake once and seriously endangered our lives.  The highways here are not lit so they are pitch black, the roads are very narrow, filled with pot holes and most are not striped.  When you pass a car at night, you have to turn your turning signal light on so the oncoming car can determine the width of your vehicle.  The police set up spiked baracades about every ten miles and they stop you for bribes.  Crazy.  So now, anytime a travel plan is being made, driving at night is non-negotiable.  Needless to say we were home before dark.

     Today we spent the day resting and repacking and tomorrow we leave for the Masaii Mara.  I am really looking forward to it.  For two nights, we are going to sleep in a plush tent guarded by Masaii warriors, listening to the lions hunt in the distance.  During the day we will visit the national game reserve and look for the big five:  elephants, lions, cheetas, rhinos and cape buffalo.  Earlier this afternoon Micah said, "I wish it was time for bed.  I want to wake up and go to the Mara."  The boys have far exceeded our expectations of them for this trip so we hope this will be a nice reward.  Thank you for caring enough to read this long entry.  :)  Danielle

Interesting bush tidbits: 

*  The climate in the bush is so dry you see moisture coming from a person's mouth when they talk. 

           It looks like they are breathing smoke.

*  A church tithe can consist of a bag of beans, a single egg, papaya fruit or a shilling.  (I was so  

           humbled during the offering.  I wish I could have taken a picture of the men and women bringing

           what little they had.  I have never seen such sacrifice.   

*  Out houses do not have toilet seats but are simply a hole in the floor.

*  You appreciate the warmth of the sun when you are taking an outdoor shower.

*  Young children, four and five years of age can carry water jugs for the family.

*  If you dig a hole in the floor of a dried river bed you will eventually hit water.  Once you do, you

           need to surround the hole with briars to keep the wild animals out. 

*  You can make rope from the leaves of a Yucca plant and you can use the big tall spike to make pew

           benches.

I have learned so much from the African people.

  

Compassion, Spring of Hope!

     I am rejoicing as I type.  Yesterday was a fullfilling, encouraging and fun day!  For the first time since we arrived here in Africa, I did not weap in tears.  Oh, I shed a few but they were minimal and came only when I was praying for some specific children.  Our entire day was spent with the children of of "Compassion, Spring of Hope"  (just the name of the orphanage brings smile to my face).  For a year now, the Lord has had me meditating on the word "Hope" and I think I am just now understanding.  Since we have been here, I have been camping out on Romans 15:13.  Our God is a God of Hope and I think in some small way that is what I was able to do yesterday.  Bring hope.

      When we arrived, we asked if the children could come outside.  We opened the trunk of the car, began pulling out soccer balls and let the games begin.  I tried to keep up and was able to get a kick in here and there but the older the boy the less my chance.  :)   Eventually we brought out the other gifts.  I thought it was so funny.  When we handed out the toothbrushes and toothpaste, the children yelled, "Colgate!"   and it reminded me of how we ask, "Would you like a Coke?" but we are really offering a Dr. Pepper, Coke, Diet Coke, ect. 

After the gifts were given, we sat down on the grass and you can see Micah and Kaden helping Paul talk to the children about hearing God and listening to their caretakers.

This little girl, Mary is her name, stole my heart.  In general the African children do not smile too much but this little girl captured my heart with her smile.  She was precious.

The little boy on the left is non-communicative and looked like he has Downs Syndrome.  The brother and sister on the right have lost their parents to HIV and they have both tested positive. 

Thank you to the Selman Family we were able to feed some more children!  I was so amazed.  For these children, this is their only meal of the day and they patiently washed their hands and stood in line for their food.  They never pushed, shoved or argued about who was first.  God multiplied the food and we had plenty!  After all the children were served, we ate with them as well and the food was hot, nutritious and tasty. 

I must go, our car is packed and everyone is waiting on me.  We are leaving the city behind, heading for the bush and will be living in a hut for the next five days.  Needless to say the stretching continues.  :)  Please pray for us, Paul will be teaching the church at large, meeting with the elders and working with some leaders.  We have been warned that this is an area of heavy witchcraft so we would appreciate the prayer convering.  May God bless you for helping us in this journey.  Love you, Danielle

The FAVOR of God is overwhelming us!

Our Vice President, Joe Biden, came to town (to promote the new Constitution for Kenya) and roads were shut down.  Even worse, our internet access was cut off.  So I apologize for not being able to post. 

Karis, Happy 17th birthday!  We love you and thought about you all day.  I wish we could have connected (June 11th) and I hope you had a fun filled day.  We are so proud of the young woman you are and daddy talks about you everywhere we go. 
      With six days since my last posting, there is simply too much to tell.  So, I will recap today.  Through a couple of connections, Paul was asked if he would be willing to meet with a government official, currently working on Kenya's new constitution.  Would he be willing?  What?  We would be honored.  So, the meeting was set for this morning and the four Finch's from the small town in Weatherford met with the Minister of Justice, National Cohesion, and Constitutional Affairs for the country of Kenya.  Mr. Cheptumo is a born again Christian with an amazing testimony, which moved me to tears.  (Which is extremely easy to do these days.)  We were able to pray with Mr. Cheptumo, right there in his govermental office, and Paul was able to give him a strong word of encouragement he felt like the Lord had given him.  At the end of our meeting, Mr. Cheptumo invited us to meet his wife at her law office.  But, because we had made a commitment to visit an orphanage, we could not meet her right away but returned several hours later. 
     During both meetings, Micah and Kaden rose to the occasion.  However, I must admit, when the secretary poured tea and  I saw the steam rising from china coffee cups on saucers I was somewhat concerned.  Visions of spilled tea and burnt tongues crossed my mind.   But aside from Kaden's slight slurp, both boys were very well mannered and completely respectful.  I have been so proud of them.
     As if the opportunity to pray for Mr. and Mrs. Cheptumo was not enough, God's favor exploded and they extended to us an opportunity to travel with them and their three children to Baringo, swim in the natural hot spring geysers, see the area Mr. Cheptumo grew up and (here's the kicker) he offered Paul the opportunity to speak encouragement to the pastors in the area of Mr. Cheptumo's constituency.  Now, that's what I call extravagant favor with God and Man!   If you know Paul's love for the county of Africa, the African people, and giving words of encouragement then you know Paul's heart is exploding with excitement. 
Love to you all.  Please pray for mine and Kaden's health as we are struggling to stay well.

The Bomas (Homesteads) of Kenya

In attempt to preserve the culture and history of the 47 tribes of Kenya, the government has established the Bomas (Homesteads) of Kenya.  During our tour we were able to see how the various tribes constructed their homes and the values they ascribed to. 

What looked liked a flimsy igloo shaped grass hut on the outside, was actually an intricately woven masterpiece. The homes were made according to the types of material available:  grass, sticks, leaves and mud.

The more homes I toured, the more I appreciated the various architectural styles and talent the people exhibited building their homes. 

But get this girls, had we lived in their culture, we would all want to be the FIRST wife because she hosted all the large family events, oversaw the other wives and SHE GOT THE BIGGEST HUT !

    Each wife had her own kitchen, separate from her sleeping hut, and she was responsible for cooking food for herself and her children.  In the evenings, the women would all cook for the husband and deliver it to his hut. If he liked your cooking the best he would invite you to stay over in his hut for the evening.  I have heard it said, "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach."  But, this takes the cake.

Now, fortunately for me, Paul is the cook in our family and here was his take on a second wife.  I hope it's not because he thinks I'm high maintenance.

So, there you have it.  The female works so hard over a hot fire, competing with the other wives for a night with her man; and should she get to stay in his hut, she will be sleeping next to the cattle corral.  An African man always wants his hut next to his most prized possession, his cattle.  How's that for some romantic aroma therapy?

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When boys become teenagers, they are sent to their own hut and female teenagers are sent to their grandmother.  (Some of you might be thinking that sounds like a pretty good idea.)

As we were finishing our tour, I found a house, under construction, I thought I could settle for, assuming Paul would help me plant beautiful gardens all the way around.  What are your thoughts?  As you sleep comfortably tonight, be grateful for your running water, electricity, soft beds and climate controlled temperatures.  :)  :) 

Hosanna Church in the Pipeline

Saturday night the clouds opened up, the rains came down and the alleyways into the Pipeline were two feet deep in mud.  Sunday was finally here, I was wearing my new pink skirt and I was scared to pieces  that we were going to get stuck in the mud.  Just imagine driving down narrow, shop filled alleyways in a small four door Toyota with people walking past you continually staring in your windows.  It is obvious you are the foreigner and it can be quite unsettling (regardless of the fact that we were on our way to worship).  Timo did an excellent job navigating the mud and we arrived safely and on time.  After parking, we walked a short distance into the church and they had buckets of water in which we could wash our shoes off. 

     After worship, Peter, an elder in the Hosanna church, gave a great scriptural message on relating to the Lord as our daddy and not some supreme being that we cannot relate to.  Secondly, I shared my flower story of God's extravagant blessing and how it is out of relationship that the Lord meets our individual needs.  Lastly, Paul preached on relationship versus religion and the blessing of relationship.  Needless to say, the Lord choreographed it all and the service flowed with continuity.  As you can see from the pictures, Pastor Garrishon allowed for a time of prayer and we were able to pray for quite a few physical ailments, job needs, a new marriage, ect.   We were so blessed and we received a lot of encouraging feedback from the people.  For me, the most rewarding part was hearing two different people make application to the teaching in their own lives and hearing one lady give testimony to the entire church that the pain she had been experiencing was gone after Paul had prayed for her. 

     Micah and Kaden jumped right in to the Sunday school there.  It seems like the children always gravitate toward Micah and within minutes they have some game they are trying to play.  If you look in the far left corner on the back row, you will see the boys sitting in Sunday school with Pastor Garrishon's wife Esther.

When it was time to go, I quickly snapped this picture of Micah and one of the little boys. 

The little boy was sharing his life and his neighborhood with Micah and I thought it was absolutely precious.