Run4Revolution- Standard Charter Nairobi Marathon

My alarm went off at 4:45am. As I rolled over I could already feel my heart begin to pound. I staggered into the bathroom where my gear was neatly placed on the countertop the night before. As I looked down I saw a tender note from my sweet husband. I smiled. As I began to put on my R4R "armor" I looked in the mirror and began to recite that all too familiar verse:

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes [like human trafficking]. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Eph 6:10-12)

As we arrived and parked, Rich said a quick prayer and we all got out of the car ready to run for an in incredible revolution. I soon found myself standing there, elbow to elbow, in a mass of people i didn't know. The race was about the begin, but my heart had started long before my body. Next thing I knew i was jumping up and down. Finally- the sound of a gun! We were off. My first REAL half marathon- and what cooler place that Nairobi?! I tried hard to pace myself but the excitement was keeping me from succeeding. Just as I found my pace I passed a woman in a wheelchair who had started a good 30minutes before myself. She was pushing herself as hard as she could on uneven pavement. I looked down at her... elbows bleeding and she was only 2 miles into it. I felt my throat begin to tighten quickly. Tears began to form. I saw the determination in her face and knew she wanted no help or pity. I fought tears and begin singing to my ipod knowing I couldn't let myself cry because I wouldn't be able to breathe. Another 4 miles passed. Then I heard a familiar voice in both ears speaking, not singing. As soon as I heard this voice I knew I recognized it. But where? I didn't remember putting this on my "NBO marathon" playlist. After the first sentence, I KNEW that sweet voice. It was my very best friend and my favorite voice. My heart did a flip as my number one fan read scripture to me. And what better time than mile 6? Once again, I felt my throat begin to close. I told myself to: "Calm down and cry later. If you cry you can't breathe; if you can't breathe, you can't run. If you can't run, you can't fight..." So I kept on.

As the road doubled back I would see one of my team mates on the other side of the road. I LOVED seeing that beautiful shirt that made us part of team that is fighting for something so great and so beyond us. It really was an encouragement... even though he was 20 minutes in front of me.

Every 2-3 miles they had water stations. I guess because of the lack of clean water here they had 200ml bottles of water rather than paper Gatorade cups with 2 sips of water. I skipped the first several stations telling myself "you've never trained with water, why do you need it? Chris is at the end of this race- he'll have water." (Being thirsty usually prompts me to pray for the people of Sudan and my best friends team that just went in to build wells this past summer. It's a good reminder when I'm thirsty to pray for those people to find the living water.)

Finally I succumbed to the temptation of wetting my mouth, but quickly wished I hadn't. The ground was soaking wet from wasted water of several thousand people. Runners could only take a few sips then toss them on the ground. I was about to freak out: "People! This country is in a water crisis right now!" And there was no way I could finish my water or I would have made myself sick. I reluctantly sat my bottle on the ground (yes, upright just incase someone wanted to have some water behind me). The next time I was REALLY wanting water was about 3 miles from the finish and I had made a vow to either drink someone elses or not drink at all. It was the last water station before the finish. I ran by it starring at that luscious, clear, cool, goodness dripping from the hands of the providers. A man just to my left took a few sips as I watched, mouth watering. Then he just held onto it. After about a minute of thinking he had to be finished with it I said "May I please have your last sip, I didn't want to waste the water." I wondered if he spoke english. He said "What?" So I tried again in Kiswahili "Ninataka kidogo Maji Tafadali." He smiled and handed it right over to me. I had prayed I would meet at least one person I could tell about R4R and my passions. So 3 miles out, prayers answered. I met Steve, my water benefactor. We soon discovered we were both rookies. Our first half marathon. He was running in a pair of very flat Puma's with dress socks, me in my comfy, borrowed awesome Nike's and padded socks. I'd been training a few months; Steve trained 2 whole weeks. That's a Kenyan for you. We were about 3/4 mile from the finish line inside Nayo stadium and it began to rain pour. Steve said "Me, I am going to stop now." I grabbed his arm, pulled him forward not allowing him to stop and yelled "NO! YOU CAN'T STOP NOW! YOU'RE AT THE END!" As if he was running for the same reasons as I was. It might have been borderline rude, but I mean- it was the end! We'd come this far without stopping. He looked at me with furrowed brow and said "You are hard!" We continued on together. Several others were stopping as if they'd seen the words "Finish Line". As we entered the stadium the feeling of that nice soft track against my aching feet and sore knees was like heaven to me. I looked at Steve and said "Enjoy this moment." As we took our last 1/4 mile around the track I searched the stands for all my Mzungu's- they weren't hard to find. As I came around the curve they were the white ones, yelling and cheering as if I'd won the 1.5 million shillings. I again looked at Steve and said "Let's finish this hard." So we both sprinted through the finish and high five one another. What a beautiful feeling I will never ever forget. I'd won more than 1.5 M shillings. I had helped fight against slavery and free children...

I knew I couldn't do it in my strength. I would have never made it out of the car. I truly felt the Lord was honored through this marathon and I have no intentions of stopping now. I am part of a revolution.

What a joy it was to run for such a time as this...

Ebenezer Farms

October 13, 2009 - 103 chicks arrived and marked the beginning of Ebenezer Farms. This is a grass-roots type of project designed to give autonomy to nationals. It creates an income-generating business with little overhead and reasonable profit. All the profits from Ebenezer Farms goes back into godly nationals with whom we are associated.

Project 1 is the first chicken house here in Karen; where we stay. It's here where it's taking shape and we are learning how to best implement this plan. Noah and Thomas are critical parts of the project. They are the ones we have entrusted this first project unto. It's all for their benefit and future. We have to gain as much understanding as possible now, so we can limit problems in the future. Our partners will need a finely-tuned project if they are to be successful. Having Noah to be the key advisor to our partners will also be important.

"What do you mean by chicken farming?"

What we've created is a perpetuating micro-business concept that will fund ministry, business, and families for an indeterminable future for national believers. No less than 100 broiler chicks at a time will be brought into a well thought out structure on site, raised for a period of 7 weeks, then sold to a poultry hungry market at a reasonable price. The on-going costs for caring for the chickens is moderate where as the going rate for a fully mature chicken is ideal. Every 3-5 weeks, a new lot of chicks will be purchased to replace those sold in the market and recycle the process to keep the micro-business sustained.

"What kind of start-up cost is involved in a project like this?"

What we've determined, thus far, is that there are 3 aspects involved in order to replicate this project for our national friends:

1. Construction of suitable house (2 rooms for 2 stages of chickens) - $400-500

2. Initial Investment of chicks (x2 orders) & materials - $285

3. 2 months supply of feed, meds, water, misc. - $325

Total Cost - $1000 - $1100

This will be enough of a catalyst for them to start with confidence and begin to create sustainability for themselves outside of further foreign investment. After the initial investment, our partners won't require assistance to continue funding their business. They will be able to perpetuate it and even grow it as they themselves grow within this newly provided opportunity. (As they move forward, they'll discover better methods, cost saving concepts, larger customer base, and even opportunities to fund other ventures)

"How long does it take to begin a project from construction to market?"

Once we identify if a partner has located and secured a suitable location for a project, we have to spend a couple of days educating them on raising poultry and operating a business. Noah and I are compiling a "handbook" for each partner that will guide them through even the smallest of things such as where to buy certain vitamins for them. (Noah will also be our resident advisor / project overseer. He will visit each site routinely and be available for their questions) After we accomplish those two important areas, we can construct a house, order chicks, begin raising them, order a second lot of chicks, then go to market in less than 9 weeks.

We are planning on making this an "ownership enterprise". This means that each partner will be agreeing to "buy back" a portion of the investment put into their business. The yet determined amount of "buy back" funds will go toward installing another Ebenezer Farm project for another national friend. It might help fund another pastor, a single mom who has struggled to provide for her family, a former street boy who has a new lease on life, and countless other potential beneficiaries. That way Ebenezer Farms is growing more than just chickens. It's growing disciples and other ministry opportunities!

There's more to come with this project! Just keep eatin more chicken... feel like I've heard that somewhere...

If you want to be a part of funding an Ebenezer Farm plant for a national here, please email us and inform us of your desire. The costs above include everything involved in making this happen.

Enjoy the photos of Ebenezer Farms beginnings...

Ebenezer Farms first building - "She's a beaut Clark!"

103 chicks on day 1 of Ebenezer Farms

Mr. Thomas dreams of fat chickens (or you can call him Billy Dee Williams)

We wouldn't be anywhere without Noah!

Eat boys eat! Get fat! Make us money!

RAIN!!

While we are waiting on CT to do his super-awesome-post-everyone-is-dying-to-know-about, I wanted to share the great, great news with you:

IT'S RAINING!!!!!

A LOT!!

A few weeks ago I went to Kitengala with friends and I promise you we saw 20 dead cows within 2 miles. It has been so, so pitiful. People are starving and their livestock are dying left and right.

This is an exert from an email we got from some good missionary friends up country:

Severe Drought in Kenya

Most of Kenya, especially northern Kenya, is experiencing severe drought conditions. Samburu is currently littered with dead buffalo, elephant, and live stock due to the drought.

The International Red Cross (IRC) has been tracking the drought conditions since January of this year, and you can see on our blog an IRC Kenya map that graphically illustrates the food insecurity of people across the country as of August. Most of northern Kenya is just one level above what the IRC considers a Humanitarian Emergency. The situation is dire by any standard of measurement.

There has been a run of dry years in Kenya (since 2003/4), and combine that with the effects of election chaos at the end of 2007 through early 2008 you see a growing catastrophic situation. Runs of dry years have been a common phenomenon here, but apparently there used to be a wet year in every four, rather than in every seven. The destruction of forested areas in Kenya or water towers, such as the Mau Forest has no doubt contributed to the rains failing.

Hydro electric power, which Nairobi and the nation is overly dependent upon, is now ineffective as there is little water in the dams. Currently power is being generated by diesel generators and rationed for at least three days per week - city wide for householders and businesses alike. We experience blackouts twice each week with brown outs in between here in Maralal. The 'jua kali' fundis (carpenters, welders, small businesses) who operate on the side of the road are struggling badly alongside major industries. Boreholes are running dry everywhere.

The cost of vegetables and food has gone up dramatically due to the shortages. The amount of maize Kenya produces this year will fall well short of what is required as the main staple food (10 million fewer 200 lb bags than usual). Kenya has not had a bumper maize crop since 2006 - due to inadequate and poorly distributed rainfall.

We pray that there will be a good rain which is predicted to run from September to January (if the El Nino rains occur). The year upon year with the lack of adequate rainfall has manifested many problems in the country. Apparently Kenya is now listed among the top 5 most rainfall deprived countries in the world. The Kenyan government is currently appealing to other developed countries for food aid.

The Samburu people are primarily nomadic, pastoralists who depend on their animals for food and their livelihood. With the cattle and goat herds dying off and the sheep eating the grass down to the roots, their livelihood and primary food sources are almost gone. In some areas, the Kenyan government offered to buy live cows regardless of their condition. Some people in our Lare-Oibor church plant recently tried to bring five cows to town to sell to the government, but all of them died before reaching the town just 2 km away.

Adding insult to injury, raiders from the Pokot tribe have been attacking manyattas and stealing cattle and goats to restock their own animal losses. These raids bring misery to people already suffering and the loss of life is much higher than what the media reports. The police are powerless to track and punish the raiders, and the Samburu often retaliate escalating the violence. We definitely see Satan at work here.

Most schools remained open during the usual August break, in order to continue feeding children. In mid-August trucks bearing relief food from the World Food Program and non-government organizations began arriving here in Maralal. The Kenya army was also involved in the effort. What has happened to that food is a mystery. The 250+ men, women, and children in Lare-Oibor church have only received one ration of relief food in the past 30 days. We know that corruption is part of the problem, because some people who can afford to buy the relief food are doing so at reduced prices and then they resell the food at a profit. We also have reports from pastors in more rural areas that people are on the move by foot to find grass and water. Some of these people faint from hunger along the way and die of starvation.

We know full well that only God can intercede in this situation. We pray with the Lare-Oibor people frequently that God will bring the rain, end the drought, and stop the raiding. We feel compelled to help the people in the Lare-Oibor church, and we would assist the people of two other churches if that were possible.

For the last two weeks we have been distributing rations of maize, beans, some cooking fat, and powdered porridge known as Uji to the Lare-Oibor congregation on Sundays after church. We purchase 400 lbs of maize and 200 lbs of beans, one case of cooking fat, and 100 lbs of powdered porridge for about $200. We asked the congregation to elect seven people to serve as a committee to pick the 45 neediest families to receive these rations, (much like the seven who were chosen in the early Jerusalem church). We need to sustain this effort probably until the end of this year.

Thank you Lord for answering the prayers of so many!!

Glory...

Let's face it, everyone likes a little glory for themselves every now and then. I would venture to say MOST people really like their birthdays because that means birthday presents, wishes, cakes, and the favorite- birthday money. Well I know one little girl that picks something every birthday that does not glorify herself, but glorifies God. Her name is Elizabeth Beaver. Instead of getting gifts for her birthday, she would rather give to others. I think we all can learn much from this extraordinary little girl.

That being said, I couldn't go today without doing a post on the most astonishing man I have ever known. This man has learned something from Elizabeth. That man is the co-founder of Team Thompson. (The CEO and founder of course being the Lord.) That man is Chris Thompson. Neither of us are very big on birthdays. Forgive us if we don't get ridiculously excited about anyones birthday. We have so many Kenyan friends who are clueless as to when their birthdays are because they weren't born in a hospital and they were born into very poor families. Chris and I don't "do" presents and gifts for one another. We can save our $3 on a cards b/c both of us would rather make our own. In fact, we usually try to see who can make the coolest gifts on the Thompson side. Or we try and go someone cool we've never been.

I asked Chris what he wanted to do for his birthday. And he had apparently already thought about it. He wanted to go and buy food and clothes at the Toi market and take to Mama Sylvia

and the kids. I just love my man! Taking the focus and glory off of himself to turn around and truly give God his "birthday glory".

I did want to take just a brief moment to tell the ones of you who care, 20 reasons why I love this guy so very much (b/c he's turning 20 ;-)

1. He is constantly striving to be a godly leader in this ministry and family.
2. He LOVES the Lord and is passionate about discipleship.
3. He washes dishes when my hands are broken out with eczema.
4. He washes dishes for no reason.
5. He is so, so brave here and always seems to know what to do in times of disaster.
6. He loves me, even when I'm all stinky and sweaty.
7. He is ridiculously funny- still doing very silly, funny things that keeps me in stitches.
8. He's supportive and excited about my endeavors (especially with Run4Revolution)
9. He is outdoorsy and adventuresome. I mean, the dude wants to raft the Nile!
10. He loves our children so much and is so excited about being a Daddy.
11. He is such a family man. That boys LOVES his family (that includes mine!)
12. He's BOLD and not afraid to take risks.
13. He loves food!
14. He's not a picky eater.
15. He thinks I'm the greatest cook (are you seeing a food trend here?)
16. He loves dating me.
17. He is such a hard worker.
18. He's very protective of me.
19. He's always the first to say he's sorry even when it's not his fault.
20. He has some really great ideas.

I don't tell you any of this to give Chris glory because neither of us want that. I tell you this to say "Look what God has done through Chris. Look at how God is glorified by who Chris is and models his life after. Look at how Chris' passions and obedience has led him to a life of honoring his Father." May God get the glory for this servants heart on his day of birth!

More Great People...

     Pat & Max Rollins (aren't they cute?)

These guys have been such a huge support to both of us. My mom and I are very close and i must admit it was really tough at first for her to see me go and for me to leave her. But now they have been some of our biggest fans. Mom and I email alot. Every time I call home my Dad acts like it's the first time he's heard my voice in a year. (Really- its so sweet!) He usualy proceeds to tell me about what they are cooking for dinner- you know stuff we can't get over here! haha. My Dad is the cutest!) My Mom sends us care packages and tender cards. They are constantly tellings us how "not a day goes by we don't pray." I'm not sure how many missionary's parents have been as supportive as my parents. Thanks mom and dad!

Kimbo Slice

Well, this isn't exactly her real name, but a name that our dear group gave her this summer on their kenya trip. (In fact if you'll google Kimbo Slice you'll find they look a tad different.) Here real name is Kim Hearn. My buddy writes me novels and is always sending me scripture and what nots encouraging me. When we left home in June 2008 she sent me with a [spoon] bag full of cards. One to open every single sunday until we were to come home the first time. AND it was wrapped with Jesus and butterflies! It had birthday cards in it and a card for when I was feeling sick.

                                  Jana Wells (on left with Beth Rollins)

My ol' college roommate. I will admit neither of us were good at staying in touch once we graduated and moved away from one another. But ever since she heard we were coming to Kenya she was STOAKED! I mean the girl was just about as excited as we were! She emails me ALL THE TIME just to tell me that she loves me. One day in the last few months was particularly rough for me and very emotional. Chris had checked the mail that day and low and behold there was a sweet letter from her with pictures that was such an encouragement! God prompted her heart 2 weeks before my rough day to write me and send me pictures! Such a sweetheart!

Jessica and Luke Beaver

(this picture really makes me giggle. We tried so hard to get a normal picture of all 4 of us. It never happened. Luke got tired...)

This couple all but stalks us. Just kidding. We wouldn't have it any other way. Seriously though- they want to know every detail about the ministry they can possibly squeeze out of either of us. Did you know my love language is words of affirmation? Well, Jessica does. She always leaves comments on both blogs. When I chec

k the blog for comments and I see "1 comment"- it's usually her. Just in case you didn't know, they are on baby number 6 and yet she emailed me- just this past week- saying: "What can I do to help you raise more support for your adoption?" She is literally willing to do ANYTHING for us. I mean she did dress up like the chaquita banana lady and MC our Living Room Conversation back in May. Oh- and my man thinks it's way tender when Luke emails him just to tell him that he misses him. ::sniff::

Dottie and Frank Shealy (Frank not shown)

This precious couple is either some of our best friends or our other parents. Dottie is almost as excited about being a Shosho (grandma) to our children as my mother! Not only do they fill in for us during our time in the states, but they have been HUGE advocates for us in our adoption. They have really blessed us in so many ways from spreading the word and raising funds for our Tiny Thompsons to fasting for Only Servants Ministries. They are such wonderful godly counsel for us and we just flat out LOVE them.

Reflections

Over the past several months we have realized that this ministry has unknowingly developed a beautiful ministry and connection back home. Only Servants exists because of Godly people whose hearts desire others to know our Saviour. Though we've been apart from you for much of the past year and a half, our bond to you has grown. We've watched so many of you grow and mature in your lives. It's been incredible to watch. It continues to demonstrate what we continue to profess: We could not have done any of this without the part you've played in our lives and in this ministry. When we think back on each of you, our hearts are filled with a gratitude that causes our hearts to swell and eyes to water. Now I know that what I'm about to begin will appear to an orchestrated emotional publicity stunt, but if you know me at all, you know that I could care less. I'm going to highlight and thank some key people who make what we do here possible because of the thankless, yet important role they play in our lives. Undoubtedly I will miss some of you, but know that you are not forgotten nor missed in my heart.

So for the many I could never fully thank or ever pay for who they are; please take my gift of words:

Lindy & Beth (the better looking two)

Matthew & Beth Rollins check our mail, deposit money, write us encouragement emails, deliver packages, pray for us, share our stories, and love us with every minute of their day. They miss us when we can't be with them to celebrate life's victories and grieve with us when life deals a different card. They are the kind of friends everyone searches for, yet few ever find. Serving us is something I think they enjoy. They are never thanked. They are never acknowledged when things are taken care of that make this ministry appear seamless. We owe them so much and can only seem to pay them with our longing hearts. Most people find it unique that they remain close to their in-laws, but we couldn't imagine better friends.

Apryle, Felix, & Miss Emma at my home on the coast of NC

Felix & Apryle Negron are our other relatives who do something so special for us that it has allowed us to be here without worry. Since we haven't been blessed with children of our own, we found ourselves "practicing" on our pseudo-child: Mr. Lex Luther. Lex is a very special boy. He's quite intelligent, yet extremely hairy. I know, that sounds odd. But our dog is noted for both. Apryle and Felix have cared for our "Little Brother" for several months without asking for anything in return. We found ourselves struggling with what to do with Mr. Luther before coming to Kenya. It really was a big issue. As we spoke with them, they were so honored to be asked to keep him. I found myself extremely humbled that they would take such joy in doing something so burdensome as that. Friends; that is service. That is love. They are my friends... who happen to be my family!

Eddie Brinkley taught me more about discernment and integrity than any person in my recent life. I was privileged to work for Brinkley Marketing for several years. I must confess though - I was not the best salesman. Yet, Eddie was patient. He would never admit it to you, but he was as important a shaper of my life as my own father (whom I hold in the highest esteem). The echos of his voice still reverberate 8,000 miles away. When Godly men live Godly lives, even the little moments of life reflect with great profundity.

Kevin Kassakatis (on right) while serving this summer in Romania

It takes a special 20 year old to impact me. Mr. Kevin Kassakatis is such a young man. If I was the kind of young man at his age that he is now, I've no doubt I would have become a much more mature and God-fearing person. If you don't know Mr. Kassakatis, I feel quite sad for you. He and his family have taught me so much about family love and support. He has taught me so much and I don't know that he even realizes it. When you work with young people and pour into their lives, it gives you a joy that can't be described as you see them living out their faith with passion. Kevin is no longer one of my students, he's my friend. And I want to be just like him when I grown up.

Mema with Emma during Christmas

Mema. Yeah, that's right, I wrote "Mema"! My grandmother, Patricia Thompson will always be the person who's name provokes a heart-stirring response. She has demonstrated the kind of faith and lifestyle that put service ahead of self. Seeing her smile at me says so much that she never has to utter a word. Her smile tells me, "I love you son, and I've been praying for you long before you ever knew it." And for that, I owe her everything.

Casey & Kim Hearn (pray for them,... they're NC State fans)

Mr. & Mrs. Casey B. Hearn. There aren't enough praiseworthy words to laude upon these two. I know that Lindy will share about Kim, so let me tell you about my hero: Casey. I was asked not too long ago, what famous person would you most like to be compared to? My response was Casey Hearn. I'm not assuming he's perfect (after all, he is an NC State fan,... tisk tisk.), but if integrity were a commodity, he'd be wealthy beyond imagine. If I am ever talked about in the same breath as Casey, then I will consider myself quite honored. He has served me through prayers, support, and countless other ways that you may never know about. He and his family have done things for us that normal people never consider doing. I guess that's what makes humility so rare. Hmm, ... I guess giants still walk among us.

I am here because of such people. You must look through me to see these kind of individuals. I implore you to do so because the credit isn't mine. Jesus warmed their hearts and it poured out on me. They embody Philippians 2:1-5.

Over the next few days, I want to highlight others. Lindy may do the same. As you read these words, please tell God "thank you" for them. Because without them, ... there is no us.

Clarity

This post is going to be a bit more direct and I apologize in advance if it hits you the wrong way, however there is a need to post this for clarity. Please read to be updated and clarified:

We have learned that a few people back in North Carolina have, unfortunately, heard some mis-information about our return to the US and have also passed on incorrect information to others. Before I offer information from the horses mouth, let me address this because it's implications are vital to this ministry and our lives. If you did not hear the information directly from me, my wife, this blog, or an email, then please refrain from passing on anything to anyone else. I'm not sure about what all is being passed around, but I can assure you that if you want to participate in causing discredit to our ministry, you will succeed if you continue. We ask that you return to the person who told you something contrary to what I am about to share, and ask them politely to stop. I implore you to go back to whatever "well-meaning" individual thought they would take liberty to purport about our lives as if their "interpretations" were correct, and correct them in the name of Jesus. (Lay hands on them if need be) This is very important to me that you speak to them to clarify what they are sharing. Gossip looks like a harmless thing, but can damage so much. I don't think anyone intended harm through their words, but nonetheless, it cannot be allowed to continue.

Here is what's going on in our ministry:

Lindy and I have moved from adopting in Kenya to adopting from Rwanda. The door has closed in Kenya for American's to adopt for right now. God began to open the door and show us Rwanda long before we knew there was an impending problem. In the coming weeks, we'll share more about the changes in our adoption and how you can pray, specifically, for it. If you would like to be part of our "invite only" adoption blog please email us.

As the door to Kenya closed, so did the longer stay we were planning here. As you adopt from Kenya the time required to live here is lengthier. We would be allowed to stay under a pseudo "adoption visa." Well, unless you have a work permit, any "visitor" or guest in Kenya has a maximum length of 6 months they can remain in country before having to leave. (you are only required to leave for 72 hours, so we could possibly go to another country for a short visit- but it has to be OUT of East Africa).

Of course we are excited about seeing family and friends, but that's not the main reason for our decision to return to US for a shorter visit. Since we switched adoption countries, we lost some of the funds we invested with a different agency. We can't get those funds back. Lindy has an opportunity to work in the hospital for an indefinite period of time which will gain us some funds for adoption and for our family's future needs.

In early January I will be returning to Kenya with a couple of our accountability team and continue the various ministry projects here. I will probably remain here for only a short time as I don't want to be a part from my wife for very long. This couple has served in Kenya with this ministry for years and are quite capable of continuing them for a few months.

We are planning on returning to Kenya TOGETHER before the summer begins as God has some very very exciting things in store for next year.

Lindy will work until we receive a referral from our new agency or the summer months approach. WE will then travel to Rwanda together and return to Kenya with our 1/3 larger family (or 1/2 larger). We will remain in Kenya for an indefinite period of time continuing the ministry as we have been. Teams will come. Guests will stay. Street Boys will be reached. We may seek another part of our ministry team to consider coming and taking the responsibilities of the guest house so we can focus on our family for those first critical months together.

Everything else from there is merely speculatory since God has not shown us that far in the future. What is most important right now is my family, THEN this ministry. The decisions we make are out of obedience to God and considering our family first.

Now, if you heard anything different than this from someone else, ... act accordingly and respond to them soon with this clarity. We love you all and seek your help in this.