Hello All,
We have had a busy week! We are getting more involved with the hospital construction projects for sure. This week, we have had our hands in the New Bethany Kids Wing, the CT Scan room project and we are working with people on the water system improvements.
We just made a trip to Naivasha to pick up a desk for Trevor that I commissioned from a little shop on the side of the road. He did a great job so I ordered another one for the living room. We are swimming in paperwork here and can not seem to organize it without a proper desk.
You really know you are in Africa when you make a trip to a town like Naivasha. The streets are teeming with people, kids, vendors, donkeys and the like. When you see a little child (about 2-3) standing near the side of the road wearing a torn sweater and no shoes, it is a reality check.
Tomorrow, the school is putting on what they call Senoir store. They sell all sorts of things that are not good for you (donuts, funnel cakes, hamburgers, pizzas) and there are soccer and basketball games going on. Of course we will be there!
Hope you have a great week end. It has been in the 70's to 80's here during the days and the 60's at night. We are expecting the rains to come in the next month or so. They sure need it as it is very dry right now.
In His Hands,
Jullie T.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Yea for Mosquito Nets and True African Driving!
We finally got the mosquito nets installed. It is great to sleep without the worry of those little pesky things waking you up! The kids love it because it feels like they are sleeping in a tent. Here are some pictures of Timothy and Sallie in "their cages."
Yesterday, I drove into Nairobi to get some more curtain material. It was a true adventure! At one point, it took us almost 2 hours to go about 8 km and shop for 15 minutes then back to the spot 8 km away! Now that is some traffic! They drive on the left side of the road here. Can you imagine going around a circle with 50 other cars in the wrong direction! We came across this little village where the traffic should have been 2 lane but was 3 with some donkey carts thrown in. The cars were pretty much stopped and just creeping along with all the people in the streets. The music was blaring, the people were dancing and selling and walking. It was a true African experience!
The Black Masked Weaver: There are many of these cool little birds around. They make nests that have the hole on the bottom side. There is a large group of nests right out in front of the hospital. Timothy and I went over there today to get a better look. It is difficult to get good pictures but here are some:
The males are a very bright yellow with a distinct black mask. The females are plain brown and sometimes hard to see.
I went with the ladies over to Navashia earlier this week. It is a busy little town that has a lot of venders. I am having a desk made and it should be ready next week. Trevor needs a desk as he is using a stool and a chair to work from. We went out to a place called the Soda lodge (pronounced Sopra) for lunch. They have a beautiful pool that we lounged around and had a nice lunch. Then we went for a walk toward the lake. It worries me a little when the server says to "...just watch out for the buffalo. Everything else is OK." So, we kept scanning the horizon for buffalo (water buffalo). We didn't see any, thank God! But we did see a bunch of other animals. There were 2 young giraffe grazing. We walked up very close to them (100ft). We saw 2 dikdik (a very small deer about a foot and a half high), the water bucks, partridge, a fish eagle and storks and flamingos. It was a very nice lunch!
Our Swahili lessons are going well. Edward comes every day to teach us. Tunajifunza Kiswahili nzuri!
Jim and I will start working with the hospital more this week with a project they are trying to get started. There is a Cat Scan unit in the states that is being purchased and they need a remodel of the pathology lab in order to make room for it. This CT unit will be a huge addition to the hospital. Currently, they have to drive to Nairibi to have CTs done and usually the patient is in no condition for the drive. We have help from EMI stateside with an Architect (thanks Russ), and a firm called Caffey Incorporated (thanks Jerry)! With God's help we will get the building ready and it will come sometime in the next 6 months?
Please keep us in your prayers as we start to move forward with the building here. Things are very slow when it comes to schedules and how to proceed with things.
In His Hands,
Jullie T.
Yesterday, I drove into Nairobi to get some more curtain material. It was a true adventure! At one point, it took us almost 2 hours to go about 8 km and shop for 15 minutes then back to the spot 8 km away! Now that is some traffic! They drive on the left side of the road here. Can you imagine going around a circle with 50 other cars in the wrong direction! We came across this little village where the traffic should have been 2 lane but was 3 with some donkey carts thrown in. The cars were pretty much stopped and just creeping along with all the people in the streets. The music was blaring, the people were dancing and selling and walking. It was a true African experience!
The Black Masked Weaver: There are many of these cool little birds around. They make nests that have the hole on the bottom side. There is a large group of nests right out in front of the hospital. Timothy and I went over there today to get a better look. It is difficult to get good pictures but here are some:
This is a picture of the nests.
The males are a very bright yellow with a distinct black mask. The females are plain brown and sometimes hard to see.
I went with the ladies over to Navashia earlier this week. It is a busy little town that has a lot of venders. I am having a desk made and it should be ready next week. Trevor needs a desk as he is using a stool and a chair to work from. We went out to a place called the Soda lodge (pronounced Sopra) for lunch. They have a beautiful pool that we lounged around and had a nice lunch. Then we went for a walk toward the lake. It worries me a little when the server says to "...just watch out for the buffalo. Everything else is OK." So, we kept scanning the horizon for buffalo (water buffalo). We didn't see any, thank God! But we did see a bunch of other animals. There were 2 young giraffe grazing. We walked up very close to them (100ft). We saw 2 dikdik (a very small deer about a foot and a half high), the water bucks, partridge, a fish eagle and storks and flamingos. It was a very nice lunch!
Our Swahili lessons are going well. Edward comes every day to teach us. Tunajifunza Kiswahili nzuri!
Jim and I will start working with the hospital more this week with a project they are trying to get started. There is a Cat Scan unit in the states that is being purchased and they need a remodel of the pathology lab in order to make room for it. This CT unit will be a huge addition to the hospital. Currently, they have to drive to Nairibi to have CTs done and usually the patient is in no condition for the drive. We have help from EMI stateside with an Architect (thanks Russ), and a firm called Caffey Incorporated (thanks Jerry)! With God's help we will get the building ready and it will come sometime in the next 6 months?
Please keep us in your prayers as we start to move forward with the building here. Things are very slow when it comes to schedules and how to proceed with things.
In His Hands,
Jullie T.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Attending Ndabibi Church Opening or "Mom, When will church be finished?"
Yesterday, we attended the official dedication of a new church in Ndabibi (the "N" is silent). Wow, what an experience! We started by traveling 80 km (about 50 miles) that took us 2 1/2 hours. On the way we saw twiga (giraffes) and punda milia (zebras) and other animals. Thank God for the Land Cruiser! Here are some pictures of the animals:
Since we started at 7:30 in the morning, it was a treat for us to be able to see some cool animals.
We got there and they were already started with the service in the old mud hut. Here is a picture of it:
We got there and they were already started with the service in the old mud hut. Here is a picture of it:
It was packed! The service was in Swahili mostly, but they said some in English. The pastor was talking about how the Israelites made an exodus to their new home that God had prepared for them. So, after that service, they walked to the village and back, inviting people to come on the way. Then came the opening of the new building. It was made of bricks that they had hand made with a brick machine.
By this time it was about 2 in the afternoon, and the kids were very hungry. We had a little snack, sharing some cookies with the kids that were there. They were fasinated with Sallie's hair and would come up to her and touch it. She was OK with that and they were very gentle. Our Swahili is not good enough yet to converse, but we could ask things like their names and ages. But there were 3 languages being spoken: Kiswahili, Kukuyu, and Masi! We were doomed!
(Above is a picture of Kevin in the striped shirt)
After this short break, we started the second service in the new building. They were so excited! It is a nice building and they were grateful. The funds were raised in Canada by the Paneros (Dr. Dan and his wife Dita). There was lots of singing. The youth sang a song, then the masi women and men sang. It was so cool to listen and watch them. They wore very colorful outfits and lots of colorful beads. The songs were rythmic and chant like. Sallie enjoyed getting them on video. Here is a video that Sallie took of them:
During that service, Dan spoke about how great it was to have a new building, but it is not really what this church is about. It is about the people. The church building could go away at any time, but it is the people that have the love of God and can show that love to others.
When that service was over, they started taking offerings. They ask for each different group to come up and give in their turn (no pressure)! Then they did an auction. They had a chicken then a rooster. Sallie bid on the chicken, but lost it. So, she was bound and determined to get the rooster! He was very handsome! She was bidding against a few other people, then it came down to Dr. Dan and her. When she said 1400 kenyan shillings (about $17) the crowd went wild. They loved it! She lost it to Dr. Dan at 1600 KSH (about $20), but after receiving the live chicken, he immediatly turned around and handed it to Sallie! She didn't know what to do. Dad helped her out!
She has named him "Bob." She was crying when we told her she could not bring him home, but Pastor Joshua is going to take good care of Bob.
We then ate a wonderful meal, rice, potatoes, beans, tortillas, goat and chai to drink. It was about 3:00 by then and we were all hungry.
We left soon after that. We saw more giraffes, zebras warthogs and impallas on the way home.
What an amazing day. We all needed a shower because of the dust and dirt, but it was well worth it. The people of AIC church Ndabibi have worked for over a year to get their new church done and we were honored to be a part of the opening ceremonies.
In His Hands,
Jullie T.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
GOD is in Kijabe and Why did GOD make mosquitos?
Jullie and I attended a "multinational" small group bible study last Tuesday Evening. Multinational is the norm here but I thought it was very interesting that our small group, consisting of 14 people had representatives from Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Canada, Switzerland, and the US and was done in Kenya. It was a wonderful bible study. The people here have such a love for GOD. As we informed everyone while we were preparing for our mission here, this hospital is an amazing outreach to the unreached people in East Africa and the Middle East (Ethiopia, S*&M894Li, Egypt, S&%$d*(N Etc). The doctors here are teachers who are teaching interns, fellows and other doctor’s surgery and care techniques so that they may go to their own towns and villages to help care for their people locally. Additionally, the compassion expressed by these brilliant surgeons is truly showing the light of Jesus to others that are not Christian. At our bible study, Rose, from Salt Lake City, Utah, heard a S*&^% Woman (who was M&%^$m) state that she knew "GOD was in Kijabe.” This is absolutely amazing. It reminds me of the book of Exodus and how GOD was with the Israelites and how the surrounding nations "knew" that the GOD of Abraham was with the Israelites because of the wondrous things that were happening. It was a testimony to the nations in time past and today.
May GOD be praised for all his wondrous deeds!!
So, why did GOD make mosquitoes?
I am sure there will be people forever asking this question and there will be pros and cons on both sides of the discussion. Last night we were asking this question. The “list” was filled with cons! We had left a patio door open while we went to dinner at a friend’s house and realized it when we returned (after dark). We were hoping no mosquitoes came in but alas, one or two made it into the house. Before I tell you what happened let me take a step back and explain these mosquitoes to you. They are small and you don't hear them until they are right by your ear at which point they sound like a freight train blowing its horn. You quickly wake up and swat at them but miss every time. These mosquitoes have the patience of a saint and will wait for about 10 minutes till when you are finally dosing back to sleep, at which point they come by your ear again. In fact, I think they act like our cat, Tiger, who will make the rounds to each bedroom and it takes about 10 minutes to make a round. About 2am musical beds started. Jullie first woke up with a mosquito. She ended up sleeping on the couch in an attempt to get away from the train. Trevor was hit by the train next. He got up to ask for bug spray that we did not have. He went to Salllie’s room to sleep in her bed because she had gone to bed in a large refrigerator box that she is using as a play house. But, he found her in her bed, so he got in the box and closed the “door.” Next, Timothy was hit. He came to our room. Jullie gave him the couch and she went back to bed. What she found there was me and Sallie! Sallie had gotten up and wanted her box back! Trevor was not to be moved! So, she was cuddled with Dad.
Next purchase will be mosquito netting and spray!
In His Hands,
Jim T.
May GOD be praised for all his wondrous deeds!!
So, why did GOD make mosquitoes?
I am sure there will be people forever asking this question and there will be pros and cons on both sides of the discussion. Last night we were asking this question. The “list” was filled with cons! We had left a patio door open while we went to dinner at a friend’s house and realized it when we returned (after dark). We were hoping no mosquitoes came in but alas, one or two made it into the house. Before I tell you what happened let me take a step back and explain these mosquitoes to you. They are small and you don't hear them until they are right by your ear at which point they sound like a freight train blowing its horn. You quickly wake up and swat at them but miss every time. These mosquitoes have the patience of a saint and will wait for about 10 minutes till when you are finally dosing back to sleep, at which point they come by your ear again. In fact, I think they act like our cat, Tiger, who will make the rounds to each bedroom and it takes about 10 minutes to make a round. About 2am musical beds started. Jullie first woke up with a mosquito. She ended up sleeping on the couch in an attempt to get away from the train. Trevor was hit by the train next. He got up to ask for bug spray that we did not have. He went to Salllie’s room to sleep in her bed because she had gone to bed in a large refrigerator box that she is using as a play house. But, he found her in her bed, so he got in the box and closed the “door.” Next, Timothy was hit. He came to our room. Jullie gave him the couch and she went back to bed. What she found there was me and Sallie! Sallie had gotten up and wanted her box back! Trevor was not to be moved! So, she was cuddled with Dad.
Next purchase will be mosquito netting and spray!
In His Hands,
Jim T.
Monday, February 7, 2011
We have a Post Office Box!
I have posted our new mailing address in the contacts list at the top of the page. We just received it, so not sure how long things will take to get here or if packages will be successful. Some people seem to get packages just fine. We may ask someone to send the all needed "chocolate chips" when I run out of my stash!
Thank you all for your prayers and support. Jim and I are still in "orientation" this week. This means Swahili lessons, setting up house, more meetings, etc. There is a project pending right now that involves bringing in a CT Scanner for the hospital. Please pray that the people involved will come to the necessary agreements and things will move forward (they have been waiting a long time).
In His Hands,
Jullie T.
Thank you all for your prayers and support. Jim and I are still in "orientation" this week. This means Swahili lessons, setting up house, more meetings, etc. There is a project pending right now that involves bringing in a CT Scanner for the hospital. Please pray that the people involved will come to the necessary agreements and things will move forward (they have been waiting a long time).
In His Hands,
Jullie T.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Yea It's Saturday!
We made it to Saturday - Thank you Lord for little things!
The kids had a good week of school. There are events going on often up at the school. This morning there were field hockey and basket ball games going on along with concession that were selling hamburgers and coke-colas and such. It is a beautiful sunny day and it was fun to get up there and walk around and eat things that were totally not good for us.
We were able to find a car to buy this week too. It is a rugged older SUV - Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Here is a picture of it with Sallie (yes, she has duct tape on her mouth - do not ask me why)!
Now we should be able to get out and do some exploring. They drive on the left here, so the car is right hand drive. I took my first ride around Kijabe yesterday and survived! The hardest part is when you turn a corner. You have to stay to the left - it just seems unnatural!
I have to tell you all what happened the other day on my morning walk. I have been walking Sallie up to school and then continuing to walk the guard track that goes around the perimeter of the school. It is very steep in parts. They other day I saw baboons on the track. One was rather large and did not seem phased by me, so I decided to turn around. I asked the guards about them and they said not to worry just carry a big stick! So, the next day I had my stick. I ran into them again and they all scattered except for the big one. Since he was off the path by a few feet, I got up my nerve and just kept walking. He was only about 10 feet from me, but just watched as I passed. Hopefully the stick will do it's job! Jim and I walked yesterday and saw some black and white colobus monkeys. They were so pretty. I will try and get a picture next time.
In His Hands,
Jullie T.
The kids had a good week of school. There are events going on often up at the school. This morning there were field hockey and basket ball games going on along with concession that were selling hamburgers and coke-colas and such. It is a beautiful sunny day and it was fun to get up there and walk around and eat things that were totally not good for us.
We were able to find a car to buy this week too. It is a rugged older SUV - Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Here is a picture of it with Sallie (yes, she has duct tape on her mouth - do not ask me why)!
Now we should be able to get out and do some exploring. They drive on the left here, so the car is right hand drive. I took my first ride around Kijabe yesterday and survived! The hardest part is when you turn a corner. You have to stay to the left - it just seems unnatural!
I have to tell you all what happened the other day on my morning walk. I have been walking Sallie up to school and then continuing to walk the guard track that goes around the perimeter of the school. It is very steep in parts. They other day I saw baboons on the track. One was rather large and did not seem phased by me, so I decided to turn around. I asked the guards about them and they said not to worry just carry a big stick! So, the next day I had my stick. I ran into them again and they all scattered except for the big one. Since he was off the path by a few feet, I got up my nerve and just kept walking. He was only about 10 feet from me, but just watched as I passed. Hopefully the stick will do it's job! Jim and I walked yesterday and saw some black and white colobus monkeys. They were so pretty. I will try and get a picture next time.
In His Hands,
Jullie T.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
We are getting settled
Hello everyone,
We are getting settled here and finally over the jet lag. We are 8 hours ahead of the east coast so it took a bit. The kids all started school on Monday and things are going well. Timothy and Sallie were so excited on day 1, but now that it is day 4 things are (and I quote), "so looooong!" I guess they think that 8:00- 3:10 school is a bit longer then homeschooling. But, they are meeting friends and getting to play some sports too. Trevor is in overload mode! He is loaded with 9th grade classes and trying to stay a float. So far it is going well. He is in an 11 grade math class (Algebra II) and a 10th grade science class (Chemistry) and the rest he does with the 9th graders. Some of the other kids do the same kind of thing (taking difference classes) so he is not the only one. They keep the kids very busy here. The high schoolers have something going Friday, Sat and Sunday nights if they want. So, there is very little free time.
Jim and I have been busy getting life set up. We are trying to set up the apartment so that we can find things! We desperately need desks right now. There are papers everywhere! We are still working on ironing out all the details of who we will work for and how we will be involved specifically. Please pray that all the people involved (which are many) will come to an agreement soon.
Rose, our house help, is working out great. She is a nice lady and is the parent to her granddaughter. She lost her daughter a few years ago. She spent all day Monday and Tuesday catching up on laundry. It is all line dried, and the washer takes a little over an hour. (She even irons)! She is attending a funeral for her uncle tomorrow. Please pray for her and her family as they go through this hard time.
Please keep us in your prayers!
In His Hands,
Jullie T.
We are getting settled here and finally over the jet lag. We are 8 hours ahead of the east coast so it took a bit. The kids all started school on Monday and things are going well. Timothy and Sallie were so excited on day 1, but now that it is day 4 things are (and I quote), "so looooong!" I guess they think that 8:00- 3:10 school is a bit longer then homeschooling. But, they are meeting friends and getting to play some sports too. Trevor is in overload mode! He is loaded with 9th grade classes and trying to stay a float. So far it is going well. He is in an 11 grade math class (Algebra II) and a 10th grade science class (Chemistry) and the rest he does with the 9th graders. Some of the other kids do the same kind of thing (taking difference classes) so he is not the only one. They keep the kids very busy here. The high schoolers have something going Friday, Sat and Sunday nights if they want. So, there is very little free time.
Jim and I have been busy getting life set up. We are trying to set up the apartment so that we can find things! We desperately need desks right now. There are papers everywhere! We are still working on ironing out all the details of who we will work for and how we will be involved specifically. Please pray that all the people involved (which are many) will come to an agreement soon.
Rose, our house help, is working out great. She is a nice lady and is the parent to her granddaughter. She lost her daughter a few years ago. She spent all day Monday and Tuesday catching up on laundry. It is all line dried, and the washer takes a little over an hour. (She even irons)! She is attending a funeral for her uncle tomorrow. Please pray for her and her family as they go through this hard time.
Please keep us in your prayers!
In His Hands,
Jullie T.
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