The Greatest Treasure

Christmas is not always pretty lights glistening over the ice capped snow. It isn't even a warm kitchen with hot chocolate and sugar cookies on the stove. Some think it is bringing a tree in from the forest and piling gifts beneath the ornament laden branches. Others believe Santa slides down through the chimney while everyone is asleep. Then there are the busy stores, the exhausted , worried looks as carts filled with goodies roll by.

A Christmas in Rwanda floods through my mind. Here I celebrated Christmas in a service with over 300 people diagnosed with AIDS and probably so many more that didn't have the means to be tested. Most of the people would leave church that day without a meal waiting for them at home. Knowing their stomachs would be empty on Christmas day their hearts still rejoiced at the celebration of Jesus' birth. The pastor's caring heart turned communion into a lunch so that no one would leave without have something to eat. Each one was given a small covered foil container. The container was small enough to sit inside your open hand. One warm meat ball, three tablespoons of peas and a very small Irish potato was wrapped neatly inside. Soda pop was given to every other person as you were asked to share your drink with the person sitting beside you. What happy sounds filled the air. How the eyes expressed joy and thanksgiving for what they were to receive.

Christmas is then taken into the bush to over 400 orphans near the Congo border. A tent gives them cover from the hot sun. There is enough Soda pop for everyone. A plate with two very small Irish potatoes and a couple bite size pieces of meat is given to each child. Children from outside the orphanage gather close by in hopes to become a guest of such a grand event. We secretly take some food from our plate and share it with a couple boys outside the tent. What happens next alarms us. They are pushed to the ground and a rumble starts as others try to forcibly take the small bite size pieces of food from them.

To a child in the slums of Nairobi a Christmas treat becomes one small glass of juice diluted with dirty water and one cookie. That precious gift is given to them at church. Again hunger tares into the stomachs of those of all ages. Lights, trees, ornaments, days upon days of shopping, they just don't exist. A father sees me with a bag of lollipops for the children nearby. He stops and asks for "5" as he has nothing to give his children on Christmas. You do not hear comments about great "sales". No one talks about a Christmas list. Your ears will hear the quiet comments from the desperate as you walk the land. What are you going to eat on Christmas day? Do you have any food? Many will try to bring what they have together with others so that a meal can be prepared.

Even with the hunger, even with the lack, even without the tree, without the lights and the gifts, many will find their way to church. They will sing, they will dance, and they will celebrate the birth of Jesus with one another. Many will leave hungry and return to a 10 by 10 metal sided, metal roofed home with food for one meal or none at all.

In the midst of their daily challenges I hear their voice . "We live in the slums but the slums don't live in us." Jesus Christ, God's only begotten son, born of a virgin, crucified, buried and rose again the third day, lives in their hearts. He has forgiven them of their sins. Jesus has become their greatest treasure. He gives them hope and joy even in the slums of Nairobi.

What is your greatest treasure?

Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

JANUARY 13^th I will be returning to Africa.

On American Soil

At the end of seven months we pack our suitcases and return to American soil. Our friends from the slums of Kawangware planned a special morning service on the Friday our flight left. They came to say goodbye. Hugs, gifts, and words of appreciation were given and a plea to come back soon. There was a sadness in the air along with some tears. We then had a special dinner at the pastor's home with a few of the church leaders. We were honored with chicken! It was a special treat to all.

Our last week in Nairobi was very busy with nights of 4 -5 hours of sleep. We spent one day with Pastor Joseph and Gladys and walked down the busy streets and past the river. It was a joy to see some of the street boys again. Their eyes brightened as they realized they had not been forgotten.

We made sure we took time to travel to the Bible League one last time before leaving. Fifty five people were blessed with new Bibles. The Bibles given out were written either in Swahili or English. Four study Bibles were given out to pastors. Between the villages of Shinyalu in western Kenya and the slums of Kawangware a total of 59 new Bibles were placed in happy hands. We want to thank our home church, Milton Assembly of God, for donating money to purchase Bibles. Also there were many who donated used Bibles that became a treasure to the receiver. Thank you one and all for blessing those that just do not have the income to purchase a Bible for themselves.

As Manley & I spent our last week saying goodbye to our friends a young girl stepped into our lives. To protect her we will call her "Joyce". Joyce, a Muslim, is from Somalia. She has never seen her parents as they were killed when she was young. As an orphan, in a dangerous war stricken land, she was treated badly and abused. Joyce meets a nun who shares the gospel story with her and she asks the Lord Jesus into her heart. A few days later the nun is brought out into the open and shot in front of the young eyes of Joyce. In fear of her life Joyce travels five days in the back of a truck to the border of Kenya to seek safety. Safe it was not. The driver of the taxi that she took and another man locked her in a room and raped her for a week. At 17 she finds herself pregnant. Afraid of death because she is now a Christian is a real fear for Joyce. She also worries that her baby will be taken from her. It rips at her heart. In the late hours of the night as we visit and pray together she speaks with tears in her eyes "All I have is Jesus and my baby". Please remember to pray for Joyce and her baby. She needs a safe place to live and raise her baby.

To everyone at the Warren Methodist Church in Warren, NH we send a special thank you for the medical supplies. They have traveled to different areas of Africa and have blessed many. They have met the needs of the street boys, orphans, those in the slums and even those on the mountain tops. Most had never seen such items and as they were given with instructions there was amazement on their faces.

We also want to thank Belknap Dental in Dover, NH for sending tubes of toothpaste to Africa. Can you imagine brushing your teeth with a small cutting from a branch? I've seen some of the handmade toothbrushes and I've talked with the people that have never used toothpaste. We are very blessed here in America!

Beanie babies of all kinds and colors put smiles on the children's faces from the slums of Kawangware to the small villages of western Kenya. Thank you Becky Amos and Denise Smith for showing love to the little ones.

As you have read this email and the emails that have previously been sent your way, you will notice a common trend. "You "have made this trip possible. You have put smiles on the faces of many. You have encouraged those in need. You have shown them love. You have walked with me.

My eyes have witnessed how much your giving has meant. Thank you everyone for loving those you have never met.

I look forward to visiting with you and sharing what God has done before returning to Africa in a few months. Thank you for all of your support and prayers J

Proverbs 19:17

He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done.

Back In Nairobi

Monday, April 6, 2009

Early this morning we said goodbye to all of our new friends here at the base of Mt Elgon in Kitale.

We will miss them and the great views of the mountain ranges from the porch of the Karibuni Lodge. Time has gone quickly and it is already time to return to Nairobi. We load the bus with our suitcases and a few memories to bring home from the Pokot tribe. A nine hour journey is a head of us. As we travel we enjoy seeing the wart hogs and their little babies, baboons and their young traveling on their back, zebras and many other animals. Very soon the common sight of donkeys hauling loaded carts are a thing of the past and the busy roads of Nairobi are before us.

The Blessing of Rain

Sunday, April 5, 2009

I spoke at Pastor Richard's church today. The large tent that holds about 200 people is set up in the center of Kitale. The railroad tracks that run beside the church make a straight and easy path for so on foot. The street boys sleep beneath the trees around the outside of the church. Vendors have lined the street hoping for a days pay.

The rains have started here in Kitale. It is such a blessing as gardens are the only source of food for so many. Planting will start tomorrow.

The Needs Are Great

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Today we did some exploring of Mt Elgon. The sky is blue and clear today. It gives us a tremendous view of the mountain top. It is a massive mountain. We travel the dusty roads up one slope only to see another before us. There is so much to see and learn. There are several tribes in the area and each tribe has a different life style. We travel into the forest and learn that the needs are greater the further in we go. There have been many tribal clashes over land and cattle. It was so severe that the military was called in some time ago to bring peace to the area. Even now the military is still stationed in some parts of the mountain. We have seen many soldiers here. Many men have lost their lives. The women remain to care for their children without homes and without land to have a garden. The nights are cold and the food is scarce. 

At the end of the day we met with Joanne. She has been working with over 600 women who come down from the mountain to Kitale for help.  She also works with many of the orphans that have left the mountain slopes.  They are now the street children of Kitale.  There is much to do here and the needs are great.

Desert Land And Camels

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Our morning started with singing coming from over 300 children from the slums of Kitale.  These children often come to school dirty and hungry.   Pastor Richard and Hellen have provided free schooling for these children.  At school they have a place for them to wash and put on a clean uniform for the day.  They are given snacks and a meal before they return to their home at the end of the day.  So many here in the slums never have an education.  This is an amazing gift given to so many little ones.

Later at Joe & Nancy's house we pack a lunch and place the cooler in their 4 wheel land cruzer.  We are going into the western Pokot area.  They call it the "4^th world".   The Pokot tribe is a primitive tribe.  They place wood or a circle of metal in their ear lobe to stretch it.  Breaded necklaces adorn their neck.  Colorful cloth wraps their bodies.  Men wear robes and many walk with cattle prods made by hand. They have many wives.  Each wife has her own hut and they are placed in a circle.  The number of goats and cows that they own determines how wealthy they are.  Young boys walk with their cattle, they are not schooled. 

As we drive away from Kitale and into the mountains the earth begins to turn to desert land.  We slow down as camels cross the road in front of us.  Cows with humps on their back roam freely with the abundant supply of goats.  The cows here can go three days without water in this hot African sun.  We are surrounded by cactus and acacia trees.  We stop and watch a family or rock badgers play together.  Dikdik (miniature deer) move swiftly from us as we drive near them.    Having a four wheel drive is so important in this terrain.  We drive through one dried up river bed after another.  We are very close to the Ugandan border now.  We pass a clinic set up by the "Doctors Without Borders".  In this area there is a sand fly that kills many if they are not treated.  We pass through many villages, Kadeliba, Kongolia and others. We arrive at Suam River which comes down from Mt. Elgon.  We take advantage of the water and clean off all the insects from our windshield.  Many are using the river for bathing, washing clothes and even gathering water to drink.

Friday, April 3, 2009

We walked through town today to explore on our own a bit.  As we crossed the road we heard a horn toot.  It was Pastor Richard & Hellen. They were going to Moi's Bridge and asked us to join them.  It is amazing to see God plan out our steps.  There is a pastor in Moi's Bridge that I wanted to see before we left town.  Pastor Richard's grew up beside this pastor and knows how to find him.  Without a phone number for Pastor David we started toward Moi's Bridge.  We then turn into his street just as Pastor David was driving out.  We were able to meet him, visit his school, church & orphanage for a short time before heading back to Kitale.  

We returned to Kitale and stopped at the orphanage the Pastor Richard & Hellen have.  It is a very large and beautiful home which cares for 14 boys and 14 girls.  Many children are just thrown into the bushes to die.  They are near death when they are found.  The children sing for us and then I share a few words with them.  

We received a good report from the pastor on Mt Elgon. He is near the area where the 12 children accepted Jesus into their heart.  The children found his home and told him they had Jesus in their heart and wanted to learn more about Jesus.  J

Our day comes to an end as we look into the mountain ranges from the front porch of the lodge.

Psalm 4 : 8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

On My Feet Again

Mon – Fri, March 16-19, 2009

I'm enjoying sitting out in the garden a little while each day.  I find that I am still very weak and tired.  My cough still continues.  While l'm recovering here I enjoy the company of my friends as they come to visit me.   We are also getting to know new missionaries as they stop here for a night or two.  We have met Joe & Nancy Losee who have a home in Kitale at the base of Mt Elgon.  They have taught Bible classes throughout Kenya for nine years.  We will be visiting them when I am strong enough to travel.  We also have been given other contacts and information on housing in the Mt Elgon area.  Pastor Joseph and Gladys, who work with the street children, have also brought us good reports of the healing power of Jesus. 

One young mother on the streets had cuts and an infection that prevented her from nursing her baby. She knows it was the prayers that brought healing to her body.  She thanks Jesus for touching her and smiles all the time now.

A woman who had typhoid returned to regular duties after prayer.

A woman with diabetes has been healed.  The diabetes is no longer found in her tests.

A husband has returned to his home and the marriage has been restored.

It is so good to hear all that God is doing J

 

Sunday, March 22, 2009

I'm on my feet and on the move.J  it feels so good to walk through the slums again. Today I walk with Manley at my side. I am greeted by many of the children.   I see them running down the path toward me and then many arms are wrapped around me.  I did not teach the children or preach today.  It was pre agreed that I would just come and enjoy the service as I still do not have all my strength back.  I enjoyed seeing everyone so much.  I had the privilege of introducing Manley to all of my church friends.  They have prayed faithfully for his coming to Africa.

After the service the pastor came to me and said there was a problem.  He asked that I join him outside. So I left the people and walked with him to a small vegetable stand made of scrap sheet metal.  It was across the dirt road in front of the church.  There inside this little structure, hardly big enough for one person to stand in was a woman near death on the ground.  Someone had brought her there and dumped her.  They had left her there to die.  I got down on my knees and crawled in beside her.  Her lips were dried and cracked. Her body was wasted away, only a skeleton remained.  Her eyes were dull and slightly glazed.  Her voice was ever so weak.  As I waved my hand back and forth over her face to keep the flies off her I assured her there would be a car coming soon to take her to the hospital.  Before I left her we asked the Lord to perform a miracle within her diseased body and with just a whisper of a voice she asked Jesus into her heart.  (She passed away 3 days later.  Her name still is unknown.)

As we walked out of the slums we stopped at Shem's place.  Shem is the notorious thief that has asked Jesus into his heart.  His eyes were clear and his face radiated the peace that only God can give.  Two of his friends, Carol and Thomas, joined our visit and also asked Jesus into their heart before we left.  They agreed to go to the church meeting this evening.

It is wonderful to see the changes taking place in these troubled lives.

 

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Our bus leaves Nairobi at 9 am for Kakamega in western Kenya.  It is a nine hour bus trip. We will make daily trips from Kakamega to Shinyalu village.  Pastor Chris, Manley and I are excited to see what God is doing in this new church that was started in December 2008.  We are traveling with study books on the Character of a Leader and Bearing Fruit.   We also have Bibles, Sunday school material, crayons, reading glasses and a banner with the church name "The Lord Worship Center".  We want to encourage them and bless them.

 

Friday, March 27, 2009

After a night's sleep in Kakamega we ride the buda buda to the matatu stage.  Pastor Chris and I arrive safely but Manley is no where to be seen.  His driver has pedaled him to another part of town.  I remain resting in the shade of one of the store fronts with 4 year old Linda Jr.  Pastor Chris starts walking to some of the other matatu areas and soon Manley is foundJ  We have prayer with the ladies that are running the store and then board a matatu for Shinyalu village.  It is a 45 minute ride on very dusty roads.  Every inch of space is filled with a human body no matter how hot it is.   Eighteen to twenty one people are enclosed in the matatu.   Boxes of goods, sacks of rice and beans are tied on top.  As we drive along we slow down for the cows, goats and sheep that are casually walking in the roads.  We pass the air strip.  The president has been here for a couple days and left for Nairobi earlier this morning.

At Pastor Chris house we are greeted by 3 other pastors.  Bibles and study materials are handed out to them.  After eating a wonderful meal of ugali, rice and chicken we visit with neighbors.  Lucas needs prayer for his neck.  He hasn't been able to move it without pain.  His whole family is called together as we share some scripture before praying.  Lucas and his wife fall to their knees as it is time to pray.  Lucas neck is immediately healed.  He turns his head this way and that over and over again.  He begins to smile as the pain is gone.  Lucas and his family members, being seven in all, accepted Jesus in their heart right there in his home.   Later in the evening we greet the people at the new church before taking a motorcycle out of the village.  There in the small gathering sits one of Lucas' sons that had accepted Jesus earlier in the day.

 

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Before leaving for Shinyalu we loaded ourselves and our suitcases on four different buda budas. They take us across town to a different place to sleep for the next two nights.  After getting settled we then start our journey to Shinyalu village.  The Kakamega Rain Forest is part of our schedule today.  The hot sun beats down on us and the dust from the roads rises around us.  It is market day and Shinyalu is busy. We walk down past the butchers. Each one with large knives in hand has fresh meat to offer.  The area for livestock is full of people buying and selling. There is something new in Shinyalu that I didn't see when I visited here in December 2008---"Telephone Poles".  Many here now have access to electricity.   Once in the forest we are greeted by several blue monkeys.  Further in we see the colobus monkeys.  They are not afraid of us at all. We see massive trees and even a brown bat.

Pastor Arthur invites us to his home for lunch.  His mother needs prayer for her legs and extends an invite to speak at the convention for the Quaker women in December of 2009.

 

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Today we travel in style.  One of the newer modes of travel here is a 3 wheel taxi which carries 3 passengers at a time.  Manley has wanted to see what kind of a ride they give J  It was quicker and we had time to visit the Australian Guest House before church. They gave us info and numbers to contact for those interested in adopting children from Africa.  I will make sure those who have contacted me are given the info.

We arrive at church and thirty or more people have filled the small room.  Some stand at the window outside.  This church began in December 2008 after the crusade. It is steadily growing and we thank God.  We worship with accordion music. Some songs are in Swahili and some are in English.  We are sad to hear that Pastor Martin's 14 year old daughter passed away last night with malaria.

We had a powerful service and prayed with many.   Two people accepted Jesus into their heart.   Sunday school material was given to the teacher.  She was shown how to use the crayons.  Most churches do not have such materials to work with.

We are thankful for the rains that started today.  It is believed that a guest brings blessings and if it rains while the guest is there it will be double blessings.

We had a wonderful afternoon at Pastor Herbert's home. 
Buckets were placed around the outside of the house to catch the rain off the roof.  A lantern gave us light on the inside and singing fills this home made of mud.

 

Monday, March 30, 2009

We leave Kakamega and by matatu we travel four hours north to Kitale.  Kitale is a very active town at the base of Mt. Elgon.   It is here that we will meet our friends Joe and Nancy Losee.  They have been missionaries here in Kenya for nine years.  The end of April they will leave Kenya and move to Sudan to start a new work.

Our matatu packed full of people, chickens and luggage just makes it to the outskirts of Kitale when it stops.  They try pushing it but it refuses to start.  So with luggage beside us we stand at the corner and call the guest house.  Soon someone arrives and delivers us safely to our new place to rest.   We have a beautiful view from our window.  A full range of mountains sits at the horizon with flowering cactus, bushes and trees in between.

 

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

We spent the day with Joe and Nancy touring the area.  They have taken us under their wing and shared so much with us.  Their wisdom has blessed us so much. We thank God that he has put us together even if it is for a short time.  They have been on the mission field for nine years here and they are pouring into us.  They have been a tremendous help to us.

 

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

We met Pastor Richard and his wife today.  Also Gary and Beverly missionaries from Israel.  We traveled with them to Mt Elgon where they held a Bible class for the men and women.  Then later in the day we went a little further up the mountain to view their building project.  This area is extremely poor.  A days wages is 30 KSH /less than 50 cents.  Before the vehicle stops many children came running.  They walk with us and began to talk amongst themselves.  I was told they wanted to be beautiful like me. That was my opportunity to tell them how special they are in God's eyes.   Twelve children accepted Jesus into their heart there on Mt. Elgon.  They were shown where they could go to church on Sunday. Then the pastor of the church was called and told to expect the children at his service.   We also met a missionary couple that cares for unwanted babies.  Many babies are found near dead in the forest or beside the road. Right now they are caring for 57 babies.  They have been so faithful in this ministry that the police are now bringing them the babies that they find.  God has blessed us with new friends in such a short time.  We thank him for his leading.

 

Psalm 9:1 

I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart.  I will tell of all your wonders.

Special Delivery

Sunday, March 1, 2009

 

Today as we walk to church our eyes look upward and our steps increase in speed.  The multitudes of clouds are heavy and dark above us.  Rumblings of thunder are all around us.  It is not a question of if it is going to rain but can we get inside the church before it starts.

 

The pastor at this 10 year old church in Rusumu village has asked me to speak this morning.  His father passed away this week and his funeral was on Friday.  His father was not saved but accepted the Lord into his heart right before he passed away.

 

Just as we enter the church the clouds above us open and buckets of water fall to the earth.  Without electricity and with the dark clouds above us the church inside is very dark.  I look up as rays of light are coming through the roof and realize we are all going to get wet inside.  Tin cans are placed here and there through out the church in hopes to catch the rain drops.  People begin to look for a dryer place to sit.  With puddles forming inside the one round floor drum begins to beat.  Church has started with singing and dancing.  As the rain drops fall on me I wonder how I'm going to see to read the scripture.  It was time to speak but the rain is making some cold.  Everyone is encouraged to stand and dance to the music to help warm them up.   As the word was shared tears began to flow down the cheeks of some.  Many came forward for prayer after the service.  We had a wonderful time together despite the wetness of the day.  The widowed women of the church made me a pocket book to carry my Bible in and a couple baskets.  One basket represents peace and the other represents hospitality.  These women lost their husbands in the genocide.  Twenty five thousand people were killed in this area alone.

 

The common greeting here in Rwanda is going cheek to cheek three times and then a hand shake or a kiss on the cheek.  I notice so many are leaving with damp or wet clothes. The rain did not bring discouragement to them and it did not chase them away.

 

After the service the pastor and a few of us have a soda and share some bread. After our rest we decide to walk up a mountain and visit some of the villages along the way.  Alex and Nesta both school teachers walk with me.  It is three hours of steady walking to reach the top but at least we have the day light on our sideJ

 

We pray with a woman along the way that has just buried her brother. We meet another woman who is blind in one eye.  We pray for many along the way.  They are so happy to have a visit and receive prayer.

 

Children run towards us when they notice a white woman in the area. Not all of the children though….some cling to mama tightly with fear in their eyes!  We climb higher and higher.  Gardens continue up the slopes of the mountain. Coffee bean trees, pineapples and bananas are grown here.  We walk through a forest area that has perfectly straight and very tall trees.  I'm told these trees are used for telephone poles.  The path is getting smaller and beneath my feet are many beautiful rocks…quartz, formica and others.  We enter a very small village full of home brew.  There is a quick rush as the men try to hide their bottles from me.  Before we get to the other end of the village a couple mad men (out of their mind) confront us and try to start trouble.  We quickly move on.  As we leave a village there are always a few children that will follow. As we stop and visit between villages more children gather and follow.  At one point there are about 18 children walking with us.  One of the older ones says "We are so lucky.  We have salvation now. She has come."  I stop in my tracks.  As we stand in the grassy meadow high in the mountains I tell them the truth.  I can not save anyone.  There is only one way to heaven.  Jesus is the only one that can give them salvation.  Before we left that meadow all 18 of them accepted Jesus into their heart.  One little boy that joined us later on accepted Jesus in his heart also. 

 

The miners' village is just a small dot below us as we look down upon it and the goal is still ahead.  The path turns this way and that.  The vegetation is thick around us.  The upward climb brings some challenges as the muscles tighten in the legs and the back pack feels like it has rocks inside.  There is no turning back though as we are all determined to finish our goal.  We arrive at the top around 4:30.  We stand on the historic cliff that overlooks mountains and valleys for miles around.  This is the place that King Rugamza ndori and  Ngagi a leader for the area called Ngunigunzu spent a lot of time.

 

After resting and enjoying the views from the cliff we start our way down.  There are many to greet and pray for along the way but we keep our eye on the time.  We don't want to be caught traveling the slopes in the dark.  It takes us two hours to come down to the valley.  We then start up the other side to the Catholic Parish.  Night has set in and the last half hour of travel we walk in darkness.  We meet a group of teens on our way up.  We stop to greet them and before we leave all eight of them accept Jesus into their heart.  There are so many that have never heard the salvation message. We had a wonderful and full day.  We are happy to arrive at the Catholic Parish.  Alex and Nesta are much younger than I am but we all agree that it is so good to sit and rest.

 

The time of rest is short though.  I have 70 orphans waiting for me.  They realize this is the last night I will be with them.  Tonight we use the flannel graph figures for the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.  So many were astonished that there was life for them in heaven.  They asked so many questions.  Hands went up every where when I asked if anyone wanted to ask Jesus into their heart.  Forty to fifty orphans high up in the village of Muhoroko asked Jesus into into their heart.  Then as usual each one received individual prayer before they went to sleep.

 

 

 

Monday, March 2, 2009

 

It rained hard first thing this morning.  So hard that I could not come down to the school until almost noon time.  It is market day and all the goods are displayed in the center of the village.  Cloth, tobacco, bananas, cabbage, soap, beans, rice, pineapple and bread  cover the ground.  There is a section for clothes and a section just for food items.  As I walk through one lady says "We are going to have a good day because a white woman walked amongst us." They believe I bring blessings to their area.  Pastor Leo arrives in the afternoon.  He has come to take me back to Kigali the capital of Rwanda.  As we ride up the mountain to pick up my suitcase the vehicle slides this way and that. The roads are still slippery from the morning rains.  Sometimes the edge of the road comes way to close for me as I view below. I gave the orphans here a big hug and receive beautiful smiles in return.  One orphan tells me I am his best friend.  Waves are exchanged as we ride away.  We begin our journey leaving the villages behind.  Children waving and running beside the vehicle escort us out.

 

Isaiah 6:8 

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?  And I said, "Here am I.  Send me!"

 

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

 

I met Eric Inivuzumugalse today.  He has a book coming out in September through Baker Publishing Co. in Colorado. The book is called "My Father Maker of the Trees". He survived the genocide by living in a tree for 15 days.   Two hundred and fifty thousand were killed in Kigali alone during the genocide.  Many of Eric's relatives were killed during this time. 

 

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

 

In the evening I spoke at the Evangelical Restoration Church outside the city limits of Kigali.  The roads off the main routes have deep ruts. Our car hits bottom several times and then has a flat tire before arriving at the church.  We walk the last little bit.  Power outages are common here in Rwanda.  Almost every night the power is lost for a few hours.

 

Sunday, March 8, 2009

 

The last time I was in Rwanda Pastor Augustine's church was being built.  Today I step into a beautiful church building. The Apostles & Prophets Church of Jesus Christ had about 300 in attendance today.  This new church still has room for so many more.  There are two services held here every Sunday morning.  So my day starts early.  The first service is in English J and starts at 8 am.  The second service is in French and starts at 10 am.  It is a blessing to have people willing to translate for me every place I go.   After the service is over we are on our way to a crusade held at the other side of town.  Another busy day has come and gone so quickly.  We end our day with a cup of tea and bread.

 

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

 

The day has arrived and it is time to return to Nairobi, Kenya.   My suitcase is ready to go but I waited for the final "zip" until it was time to leave.  The final "zip" was just that, "Final".  The zipper broke and I had to make a rush trip to the market area and buy another.  We had not planned time for such a trip but it all worked out.  I made it to the airport in time J

 

As I flew in over Kenya I could not believe how dry the earth had become.  There wasn't any green beneath me.  Rain is so badly needed.  My thirty minute ride from the airport to the guest house took a long time today.  There are riots in the center of Nairobi.  Car windows are being smashed, stones are thrown, store windows are broken, fires started and a lot of stealing takes place.  Traffic is bumper to bumper.  We try to use the side roads around the troubled area but traffic jams are found at every turn.  After some time

we arrive safely at the guest house.

 

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

 

I'm unpacked and settled in my room in Nairobi.

I have not been feeling well.  I wanted to wait until I returned to Nairobi to go for medical help.  Nairobi has the best medical care around.  Everyone that can will come from surrounding countries to Nairobi for their health care.  
I have been put to bed for 5 to 6 days.  If I don't get bed rest they threaten me with I V's and some time resting in the hospital.
 
I have double lobe pneumonia. I have a nurse that will visit me in the evening here at the guest house to do some pounding on my back.  So for now it is rest, rest, rest, rest and water, water water, water, water and a few meds in between.
 
My energy level is "zero" and if I try to do anything I break out in a sweat.
 
Pastor Chris from Kawangware was just here and prayed for me and I would appreciate your prayers from home.
 
I am still smiling :)

 

 

Friday, March 13, 2009

 

It is always a joy to get mail from home.  A box of goodies, letters, or emails are so encouraging.  Today I had a special delivery!  Manley arrived here at about 8:30 pm.  A little tired from his journey and the time change but very pleased to be here.  So we are now together here in Nairobi, Kenya.  Our plans are to travel into western Kenya when I have fully recovered from pneumonia.  Thank you all for your prayers for safety as he traveled.