The Year That Was...

It was the best of times, it was the ... well,... best of times!

In the newsletter for January we highlighted a few pictures that really captured the pulse of this past year. We'd like to take a little more time to look in and show you all the ways that God sent servants, brought smiles, grew disciples, polished ministers, and changed lives.

(in no specific order)

Frank & Dottie Shealy give themselves to Kenya every year! They helped paint the lockers for the Saint Boys. Pray for them because they are in Kenya right now, serving... again!

Lindy with Sylvia, Brian, and Paul. Just look at how far these children have come since we were able to meet them! (see this older picture and remind yourself of their story)

Pastor Lon Chinowith (Baptist Home BC) came and taught at Berith Bible College and preached to Berith Church back in January.

Do you remember when we took the Saint Boys camping and hiking at Mount Longonot? Mr. Russell Knight came and spent time loving on the boys. (He and Sara had their first child a few weeks before Ezra came!)

Dad came back with a team from Salem Baptist Church. Noah and my father get along so well! Very similar!

The boys trying to wash Wallace. This was a funny sight to see.

Kiangoi Rahman Onsomu (Thomas) graduated in September from Berith Bible College. When I asked him, "So are you going to look for a church to pastor?" He laughed and said, "I'm too scared to do that. I'll just stick to chickens." But he now has more understanding of God's Word to lead his family and serve at his church.

Mr. Ezra Lewis Thompson joined our family this year! Wallace took him under his wing... literally.

Max and Pat Rollins (Lindy's parents) came and spent 3 weeks with us (actually they really came to see Ezra, but we did manage to show them much of Kenya! They fell in love with the Saint Boys. I mean, 'how could you not love them?')

Thanks to Miss Grace Kriegel, 3 of our boys made it a good private school. She worked them hard, but they loved her so much. And she loved... er... LOVES them.

Wallace waited patiently for Ezra's arrival. He even helped decorate his room.

We began our incubation and hatching this year. After some setbacks (lost 400 chicks and government regulations getting tighter) we have Thomas and Noah ready to make this a big success!

Mr. Cameron spent extra time with us and particularly the Saint Boys. They loved him!

Graig Austin came with a U of Mich team who spent one particular day helping disabled children enjoy horseback riding! They were so good with those kids. (except a certain person is terrified of large animals. No names need be mentioned. g.a.)

A series of fuel shortages made driving interesting during April/May.

Salem Baptist Church shared with Jamoca School one day. They sang songs, played games, gave testimonies, and loved on so many children.

Sorority girls from Ole Miss came with NDI and spent all their energy giving to these children. What an encouragement they were!

Due to the drought and famine in Northern Kenya, we were able to help bless countless others with nearly 4 tons of food!

Our dear friends Jonathan and Sandra Keytel returned back to South Africa. I've never met two more giving and encouraging people in my life. My family's life will never be the same because of the love displayed by these 2 saints... these 2 friends.

And the Saint Boys enjoyed an early Christmas just before we left for the US. Ezra got to give his gift to them too!

What a year 2011 was