What We've Been Up To

For the past few weeks we have had time to get settled here in Kijabe, work on learning Swahili and just spend some relaxed time as a family.  We are all doing well and are enjoying our new home.  Next week the older kids will start school, Erik will be at work full-time and we will be adjusting to a new routine.  We're so thankful that we've had this time to ease into life here, but we are also very excited about what is ahead.

Prayer Requests

So many of you have asked about specific ways you can be praying for us so I've decided to include an ongoing section on the side of our blog that will list current prayer requests.  I will do my best to update those regularly so those of you that follow our blog via a blog reader may want to click through to the blog periodically so you can keep up with our prayer requests.  We value your prayers and are so thankful for those of you who have committed to pray for us!

The 12 Days of our First Kenyan Christmas

12 monkeys romping in our yard

11 failed attempts at catching a wily mouse

10 Kenyan shillings for a yummy andazi (Kenyan fry bread)

9 Swahili lessons (so far)

8 dusty, calloused and thorny kiddy feet

7 days of jetlag

6 inch slimy, white slugs

5 minute walk to the hospital

4 am - the time the Kijabe roosters start crowing

3 cases of the flu

2 grateful parents

1 very blessed new home


As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we pray that you will know the fullness of His joy and peace.

Merry Christmas from Kenya!  Sikukuu njema ya Krismasi!

A Quick Update

I just wanted to give you a quick update.  Erik started working this week and is enjoying being back in the hospital after 7 weeks of rest.  He has been working in the morning and we have our Swahili lessons in the afternoon.  He will have his first night of call on Thursday and will be home for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  We're looking forward to a quiet celebration that will include Christmas caroling through the hospital, some of our favorite family traditions and Christmas dinner with some of the other missionaries here.


We hope that you all have meaningful time with family and friends.

First Case

Erik isn't scheduled to start work at the hospital quite yet, but he did get to perform his first procedure in the OR yesterday.  The patient just happened to be our 2 year old.  I noticed a funny spot on his finger and pointed it out to Erik who quickly said, "Yeah, that has to come off and I'm going to need a scalpel."

As Erik got dressed to go to the hospital our 2 year old said to me, "Mommy, Daddy's going to cut it.  Do not worry."  He then looked at Erik who was now wearing his white coat and said with a surprise, "Daddy, you a doctor?"  

Luckily, Erik's first case went quite well.  The patient was very cooperative and hasn't reported any complications. 

The House

Our house is very modern by African standards.  We have running water, electricity and plenty of space for our family.  Here are a few pictures to give you an idea of what our house is like.  We're still unpacking and getting settled, so please pardon our clutter!  :)

The Garden

When we arrived at our new home in Kijabe, we were so surprised to see such a lovely garden in our backyard.  I wanted to share with you some of our favorite flowers from the garden.

Home!

We made it to Kijabe this morning and while Erik and I unpacked bags, the kids explored our amazing yard.  We laughed when we literally had to shake the dirt out of the 2 year old's  curls before we could let him back into the house. 

I have shared with many of you that I have been particularly concerned about our 8 year old's adjustment as he has been extremely nervous about this move and I've asked for you to pray for this transition.  Today I was so touched to see how God answered your prayers.  We had been at the house for less than 2 hours when we sat down for lunch.  While we were eating we went around the table and everyone said what their favorite thing was so far.  Obviously the 2 year old liked the sand box (which should probably be called a dirt box), the 5 year old liked the tree house and our 6 year old said she liked the whole house.  When we got to our 8 year old he said, "I like everything about it.  It just feels like home."   Thank you so much for your prayers; we can't do what God has for us to do here without the wonderful senders we left behind!

We Made It!

All children and bags are present and accounted for after two long, but uneventful flights.  The kids did great and we were all able to sleep on the planes.

We've been running errands and gathering supplies in Nairobi today and tomorrow we will head off to our new home in Kijabe!

We do have one travel tip to pass along:

It is probably best if your 8 year old does not pack his night vision goggles and telescope in his carryon.  Security frowns on those things.  Luckily, after he was patted down and his bag thoroughly search, the agent tried out the night vision goggles and told him that he really liked them.  I don't think the 8 year old was even bothered by all the "attention" and he was allowed to take his spy gear with him.


Thank you for your prayers!