Kenya.. maize, beauty, and change

Dear Friends,
Greetings from Kenya, Africa! 
We will share a glimpse of our lives as we serve God here. We have faced a wave of homesickness since Wayne's left on furlough. The good news is that they and Josephs plan to return. 

Beautiful Kenya! Photo credit: Carolyn 

Elliot has been a blessing to us! He runs around in his little walker and is a huge eater!

Tiffany, what is that??

Tiffany is growing and loves to be in on the action! This picture was taken on the day of the school picnic.

Eveline Atito holding Elliot

Jonathan Martin, Noah Atito's son. Noah says he took something small from the missionaries, their names!

Hum.... What is Tiffany trying to do?

The US Embassy meeting in Kisuma with the US Ambassador to Kenya

Joseph Hostetler and myself with the Ambassador

Zilpa is a widow in the Lela church that is industrious. She wanted to show me her maize, and I found it interesting to see her shamba. I like looking at good maize and find it a blessing when they are rewarded for their labor. So many people do not have work, or may lack the opportunity or motivation to work in Kenya.

After looking at the maize Maurice and I went with Zilpa to Beldine's dala. Beldine (right) is another hard worker. She has a plot of land that she plants rice in, and it takes diligence to have a successful rice harvest. We had a good visit at her dala.

Rufina is an elderly lady that is a member of our church. She is my "Kenyan Mother". We have interesting times visiting. She has physical ailments, but recognizes that these things will pass when she dies and goes to heaven.

Marcus and Wanda Burkholder's farewell gift. Marcus served as the business manager for a number of years.
They have now returned back to their home in TN. Thank-you for your service, Marcus!

Marcus and Wanda.... 

Elliot is on the floor. The unit meeting and orientation was held in Nakuru. It was rainy and chilly. Elliot got sick as a result of malaria. He was throwing up his medication and after a trip to Aga Khan hospital, and a time of waiting, waiting, and waiting we were given a prescription. In the end we stuck with the malaria meds instead of Aga Khan's meds, and he got better. Thank-you to our home church in VA for your prayers!

Several pictures in Nakuru

Steve and Stan at KFC before going to the meeting. Yes, KFC, but no green beans, no mashed potatoes and gravy, no mac N cheese... but it is still good!

Having a snack after Bible Study. There was plenty, so people were able to take some home.

A Sunday Morning before the service started. Lina and Caroline.

Wayne preaching. It was a blessing to have them at Lela before they left for furlough!
(Watch the next blog for pictures of them as they were leaving.)

Sunday Service in progress. A view from the choo.

It was in this supermarket in Kisumu that we learned of Darrel Plank's accident.
Life is so short and a reminder to always be ready to go.

Elliot loves wagon rides!

Joseph and Becky are happy! They are leaving for an 8-week furlough. We will be blessed to have them come back!

Carolyn and Rhoda with their students on the day of the picnic.

At the year-end program

Carolyn and her students

Weston Miller graduated!

Dean and James

Gerold holding Jediah

Wayne, Clara, Glenda, and Tiffany

Go Shonda!!

Smile Jerrel!

Geneva Mast

Brad hopping!

What is soooo interesting?

Carolin Rodes taught school for a couple years. She also attended Lela with us. It has been a change for the church. 

Carolyn teaching her Sunday School class.

Carolyn's class giving their presentation. Tiffany joined them that day!

Carolyn and the choir singing together. Carolyn started the choir.

Carolyn with friends before leaving church

Carolyn rewarded her faithful students to a meal in the compound. This made the children very happy!

Time for gifts!

Florence, Bishop Wayne, and Elliot. Florence has come to Lela for several years.

Carolyn with her class

Friends....

Time to go home. Florence is holding Tiffany.

Kisumu Pastors: (L-R) Gerold Miller, James Barkman, JoeAllen Yoder, Wayne Yoder, Dean Miller, Joseph Hostetler, Brian Mast, and Jake Gingerich. We sit together in meetings and we get to know each other well!

If you get weary.... take time to rest!!

  May you find God near you this week!
  -The Yoders