Hello Family and Friends!

 

We are still in Kijabe awaiting things to be finally sorted out with the national elections.  The vote took place this past Monday, but they have been counting votes all week and, hopefully, will be done and make an official announcement sometime today.  There have been some allegations of fraud, but I think on whole, the elections were transparent and fair.  The country, as a whole, has been peaceful all week but we can not return to The Hill until we see what the response will be to the final announcement.  We are so thankful to the Smith family for housing us this past week during this uncertain time.

 

Kathi is still feeling under the weather.  We thought she was doing better overall, but had another episode last evening with increasing abdominal pain, vomiting, etc.  Her tests have all been negative to date, but sometimes you can still have typhoid and have the test be negative.  We will be waiting for her to feel better before we make the final decision to return to The Hill.  Please pray for healing for her.

 

We are all missing the children on The Hill this past week.  The week before we came to Kijabe, we had a very exciting evening devotion.  Kathi talked about past hurts, fear, disappointment, etc. burdening us and preventing us from living a life of freedom that God wants for each and every one of us.  The children were each given a slip of paper and asked to write down (confidentially) whatever they were being burdened with in their lives.  They then brought the folded slips of paper up to the front of the room and pinned to a wooden cross and, symbolically, left their cares there at the cross.  It was a very powerful and life-changing evening.  We were so proud of the children for their participation and maturity in handling a service like this.  One of the most powerful moments came when Kathi was starting to preach and the rain started to fall upon the metal roof and drown out her talking.  She stopped and prayed to God to stop the rain so that this important message could be given.  Immediately, the rain stopped, the children cheered, and Kathi was able to continue the entire service without interruption!  Amazing!

 

We were also officially welcomed and installed as missionaries by the Church of God in Kilgoris, which is the small town at the base of the mountain where we are living.  Although a long and very warm service, we were humbled by the large turnout of people and the warm welcome we were given.

 

James is making progress in the recording of the worship CD.  He also recently finished shooting, editing and finishing a music video that he did for the small church up at The Hill.  I’m sure this will be posted on YouTube in the near future.  Sarah is enjoying spending time with the Smith kids this week and trying to get some school work done.  Matt is helping with a few projects around the house, working on his on-line class and going on a few runs down to the airstrip here by the hospital.  I know he misses flying and is looking forward to his return when he can again get back in the air.  Upon our return to The Hill, I will be travelling to visit several of the small clinics that are run by the Church of God and, hopefully, advise them on things they might be able to do to run more efficiently, with better financial accountability and provide even better medical care in the isolated areas where they are located.

 

That, I think, is about all for now.  We miss you all and continue to covet your prayers and remain ever-thankful for all of your support!