The Date

                Whew, *deep breath* --- Hujambo bwana na bibi! (which mean “Hello, how are you ladies and gentlemen”) I know… cool eh?  I’ve been spending my “free time” lately seriously studying Swahili. I’m learning very fast according to the kids here, though I am the first white person who’s really tried so they don’t have a comparison lol. Today we went to actual class at the Gilthongo Bible College, their currently teaching one of the few courses that isn’t not yet available on DVD, so we will do it the old fashioned way and actually attend class once a week for several hours at a time. I personally enjoy class more b/c of the interaction and, of course, the people. But it’s harder b/c I can’t pause it when Jaden gets bored or hungry or poops all over me, or spills boiling chai ALL over both himself and I. And yes, those all happened. I’ll have to use Charly’s notes to catch up on what I missed. All in all it’s been a good day; mostly b/c Jaden slept almost 7 hours last night… not consecutively of course but I’ll take what I can get. I woke up with more hours of sleep in one night then I’ve gotten all week, and Charly, in the interest of actually being on time, had made me coffee with cinnamon sugar toast on the side as well as packed not only a bag with pens, paper, highlighters and snacks, but had also packed the diaper bag complete with toys and a squishy foam pad to lay Jaden on outside. He knows that Jaden is never happier than when he’s outside – preferably in moms arms. I have to say that my husband and a very good man.

                The class has taught me some things that are not on the listed curriculum too. As I listen to the questions posed by the other students I realize just how little they know about the Bible. I mean, most of them didn’t even bring a bible the first day. Now when going to bible school, I just assumed I’d be using my bible. So many didn’t realize they would need one! And things that I’ve known as long as I can remember, shocked them and they struggled as a whole to accept it. Such as… you don’t go to hell for sinning. You go to hell for not accepting Jesus’ gift of salvation. And God won’t smite you with cancer or aids b/c you messed up and sinned. And you can’t lose your salvation and have to be born again. Truths that seem so basic and simple, that are totally opposed to the traditional teachings around here. And anyone who disagrees with these things, please write me and say why, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Still, I feel I’ve gained a bit more insight into the Kenyan mindset, the one we’re trying to alter to a more grace focused, kindness offering, love your neighbors type. 

                On that note I have a praise report for you all: There are two young girls here, Claire and Frieda, who’s mother lives a lifestyle that caused them to run, mostly due to the men that filtered through who saw them as little versions of her. They are two out of 11 or 12 children, mostly girls. While Claire has been here for almost 2 years, Frieda showed up only a few months ago, and still very much misses her mommy and little sisters. Well, several weeks ago their mom and one younger sister came up on Sunday morning to visit… and went to church with them. We were all glad to see them. Then surprisingly, they showed up the next Sunday as well, and after the service their mom asked to speak to someone, we thought she was gonna ask for money - b/c every Kenyan knows white people are rich and should therefore give money out like clowns at a parade- But what she wanted was to know how to be saved!! Our sister Theresa *an amazing woman of God* spoke with her b/c she didn’t understand English very well, and she excepted Christ. She has been back to Church both of the Sundays since and we can’t wait to see her grow in Christ and climb out of the lifestyle she’s been stuck in.

                To answer some questions: Some certain someone’s have asked how they might help us financially. Rather that write multiple letters I will post the answer here. I have a paypal account that I’m told you can set up automatic with drawls from, though I’m still working on figuring out how. It’s my yahoo email address (i.e. lil_mis_lovable@yahoo.com)  and if you have a paypal you can just type in my name, email and the amount. Also anyone who wants to send me their account number and whatever amount they want to give, I can set it up for you. If you don’t trust me to forget your number you don’t know me, and I promise to burn it as soon as I’ve fulfilled your wishes. If you don’t believe me you should probably not send me money for missions since I’m a possible liar and thief. Lol  This is not us asking for money, I know God will supply all our needs and I am not worried about anything (so long as I have a steady supply of coffee) I am simply answering the questions I’ve been asked. And to any and all who do feel called to help with our ministry, THANK YOU. Such amazing things are happening here. Many of which are the changes occurring in us.

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                WELL, it’s been a week since I wrote “all of the above” and I haven’t had time to finish and post it. So I’ll fill in all the wonders that have kept us busy. First off Mike had to make a trip to Nairobi to fill out some mumbo jumbo paper work for the government which left us in charge for 2 straight days. I actually enjoyed spending the night on the main compound with the kids while he was gone this time. Partially b/c Jaden actually slept this time, but also b/c we ended up having a quiet, comparatively at least, game night with the kids. Mike got home late Friday night and we had nothing to report except “all’s well.” THEN… Saturday afternoon Mike came by and gave us a lil cash to go have dinner. Now let me say, it’s been quite awhile since Charly and I got to go on a date. And it’s been an even longer while since we went on a date Jadenless. The girls watched my lil man for several hours, and I got to relax and totally enjoy my hubby. I hadn’t realized how much I missed him, even though he’s here every day. We walked down the mountain to the American style restaurant at Nakamat, and ate, and talked, and then walked around the store, window shopping like it was a mall, and headed home towards the end of dusk just as the stars started peeking out, and the moon lit up the clouds. It was just warm enough that the little bit of breeze felt nice…  It was fantastic! It’s been my happy thought all weekend. When one of the kids went ballistic on Sunday and in his wild swinging hit Jaden (barely grazed him but I still wanted to strangle him ;) I focused on the fact that Jaden barely noticed, and that I’d had that wonderful time, to calm me down. It also made me realize that there had been a tension growing between Charly and I. One that is now gone. I can see how easy it is when you get into “work all the time mode” to forget why you love life. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE what we’re doing, and I wouldn’t change it for the world, I know this is right to the core of my being. But we live our work right now. And we have to remember to take some time and remind ourselves what we love about each other every once in a while; preferably more than once a quarter. I honestly believe that this is a major part of why so many marriages fail, you get so busy living – even if your living your dream - that you forget your supposed to be enjoying it too, enjoying it together. My my how subtle the enemy can be. I’m so glad that we have a protector that can’t be deceived who promises he’s got our backs. And fronts. And sides etc. Haha, Love you all!!