Surviving the Winter

I only picked this post title because I was thinking of all our friends and family, throughout the U.S., who are experiencing record breaking colds, snows, cold snaps, and arctic conditions back home and we are praying that the weather lightens up and you all are able to return to some semblance of normalcy.   Certainly the movies that have been made over the last 10-15 years, about Global Warming and Climate Change make one seriously consider if that is happening or not.  I have always been one that pooh poohed the idea but with the dramatic storms and conditions that have come to our ears in the last 5 years alone, I've had a softening of the heart with a realization that maybe I need to listen.  There may be some truths in all what we have heard. At this time we are very thankful to be avoiding it all in the African Summer.  Temperatures have been rising to 85 here where we live (I know I now have a lot of people saying choice words at us with that).

Well, I am not going to write on climate change.  Jullie is off to a women's retreat in Limuru and she asked that I update you on what is happening here.  Things are going well here.  It is only 3 weeks into the new year and Jullie and I have our hands full between the projects and all the activities that RVA keeps the children busy with.  Timothy celebrated his 13th birthday on Thursday.  I took him and a couple friends to Nairobi to swim at a water park. That was a lot of fun.  I took this short video for your listening pleasure.

We are finishing up getting our Kenyan Friends into their schools for the beginning of their school season (which starts in January vice September).  Beth is back to Naivasha Mixed Boarding Academy in Form 3 (Junior).  Patrick is back in his second year of Electronics School.  Esther graduated from her culinary school and now Jullie has enrolled her in private computer classes to be able to learn a few more skills while Esther is looking for a new job or new schooling.  Njoki realizes that the school that Agnes was going to (Kiambogo) really wasn't the best environment for a young woman so she changed her school to one that is in Naivasha (about 40 minutes from here) called Bishop Wambari AIC Girls Secondary School.  That is a mouthful.  Anyway we are getting her into this new school.  Unfortunately she has to repeat Form 2 (sophomore) since they won't let her transfer as a junior.  Yvonne is doing great in standard 3 (third grade).  She is blossoming so well from where she started.  We are very proud of her.  Thanks to all of you for all your support in getting/keeping these wonderful children in school.  When we think of all the bad that is happening in this country, here is a lot of good for the future of Kenya.  GOD Bless You for your support!  It is making a difference.

One final thing.  We ended up having the back window of our car broken (lousy tree branch).  Anyway, we needed to go into Nairobi to have the window replaced.  here is a quick video giving you yet another glimpse of driving in "town".  It is a good thing Jullie drove because I don't have the patience for it.  Also, now I know why they don't allow people in this country to have firearms.  

Please keep the people of the Central African Republic and South Sudan in your prayers.  There is still a lot of bloodshed and persecution going on in those countries. Ceasefires, like the one just signed in South Sudan help, but only if the people obey this ceasefire.  

John 16:33

 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." 

Peace

Jim

By the way, I have updated the Kijabe Project Page.  Please see our updates there on some of the projects.