When are you returning to Kenya?
I’m learning the art of flexibility. I will defenately be in Kenya by the first part of January. I’m hoping to be in Kenya for Christmas but due to the planned elections on Dec 27 we are uncertain of the stability of Kibera during that time. That decision will be made by Thanksgiving.
How will this trip to Kenya be different?
So much will be different. Two new staff members will come to take over the responsibilities for the school so that will be a huge stress relief. All of the staff and teams will also be living outside of Kibera for the first time. It is actually cheaper for us to live outside of Kibera than to pay for security and rent in Kibera for all of us and the teams. This will also allow for an easier split between work and rest, hopefully helping me to refrain a bit more from working 24/7. This will also help with health issues that we all experience living in a slum with so much sewage and dirt and germs everywhere. So I’m looking forward to this trip being healthier in all aspects — physical, mental, spiritual and sanity. I’m looking forward to having more time to spend with the kids just doing discipleship and one on one times with them instead of trying to do too much at once and therefore doing it all badly.
How’s your health?
It’s okay. I don’t have the exhaustion. I’m learning how to handle stress in a more healthy way and I’m making plans to keep it more manageable while I’m in Kenya. I’m also learning that the pain/muscle spasms in my legs can be controlled with certain pilates and stretching so I’m getting better at that. I’m soooo much better than I was. Trusting that God will continue the healing.
What’s the plan for this year?
I will be in Kenya from January—April. I will be back in the US in May-July speaking at VBS’s and Camps regarding the orphanage… or… at least that’s the plan. (If you know of any churches or camps who might be interested please let me know ASAP.) In August I will be in Georgia for Staff Conference and finishing up office/fundraising stuff and then in September I’ll be off to Kenya again.
Why are you in the States so much?
Up till this point it’s all been health related stuff. Now, it is due to much needed fundraising. The orphanage feel short last year due to increased costs for schooling and increased kids. We would like to expand our efforts to other orphans but can’t until we are able to raise the monthly sponsorship of the orphanage to reflect our costs. So for now I’ll be spending part of each year in Kenya and part in the US. Unfortunately, both is necessary. I can’t be in Kenya full time if we don’t have our costs for the kids covered and I can’t be here full time because I can’t love on the kids and keep things going well and oversee that we are having them in the best possible schools, situation and loving on them when I’m here.
Pray for wisdom and provision as we try to work out this obstacle so that I can be in Kenya full time to love and serve the kids.
