April 28, 2008
This has been a relatively uneventful week as far as the political scene in Kenya is concerned. The President and the Prime Minister have been touring IDP (Internally Displaced People) camps around Kenya. The goal is for them to witness the magnitude of the problem and the conditions in which these people are living, but the news coverage has mostly been about controversy surrounding the order in which the various politicians speak. Apparently, that order signifies their relative importance. The current national crisis is how to get these people back to their homes and if that is even possible. We continue to pray for healing and reconciliation among people groups here. There will be much work to be done for quite a while.
Our work continues to go well. Horace traveled to Ngarendare last week to visit the group there. This was a trip that we had scheduled the previous week but had to cancel due to uncertainty about safety on the roads. Last week, there was rioting by a gang called Mungiki in some parts of Nairobi and surrounding towns. No one was quite sure what it all meant by the evening before our scheduled trip, so we chose to cancel. He had a good overnight trip on Thursday, and returned Friday afternoon. The farmers there are currently working toward lowering their input costs. Here, as in most parts of the world, we are watching prices soar which makes it very difficult for struggling farmers. We are taking steps to address this problem with all of the farmers.
Next week, we will be back in Mang’u. Though our business seminars are complete in that location, we will still maintain regular contact with them regarding the technical aspects of farming as well as finances. Particular loan repayment schedules are being recorded, and the work is tedious. Soon, we will see the fruit of their work being harvested. That is always an exciting time for all of us.
Family life is going well with the exception of a rugby injury. Horace, Jr. has injured his knee and has had to take a break. We return to the doctor tomorrow to re-evaluate. The doctor took a very conservative approach of a week’s rest before recommending further testing. If he feels there is still trouble, we will do testing this week to determine the problem. It has been very difficult for him to sit on the sidelines this past week. He really loves the game. Please pray that his knee heals and that he can return to normal activity. Thankfully, Mary Shea has been without injury although her routine of track and swimming has taken quite a bit of energy these past few weeks.
It is difficult to believe that the month of May is upon us. Thursday and Friday will be school holidays this week. Thursday is Labor Day here as it is in many parts of the world. The school has blessed us with the additional day which makes for a nice long weekend. We have no plans except rest and maybe a bit of spring (or fall as it is here) cleaning. After this break, begins the mad rush for the last month of school of sporting events, music concerts and recitals as well as scouting ceremonies.
We continue to be blessed by your prayers and encouragement. They mean so much to our family. Although, we do not anticipate violence here in Kenya, we do continue to request prayers for healing and reconciliation here. There are so many people affected by all that has happened since the December 27th election. It is very difficult to imagine healthy relationships between the different people groups here. We do know that all things are possible through the love of Jesus Christ, so please pray with us that He will touch lives here each and every day.
Have a blessed week!
Anne
Monday, April 28, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Ups and Downs in the New Kenya
April 21, 2008
Things are improving on the political front. The new cabinet – though bloated in size with 40 new ministers and 52 assistant ministers – has an interesting composition. For each minister, the assistant minister was selected from the opposing political party. The hope is that they will be working together to fix some of the problems that brought us turmoil after the recent election. Please keep them in your prayers as they take on that task.
As one man commented to me last week, you sleep happy and then you may wake up to chaos. That is what happened last Monday morning. Though we were in no danger, the first thing that I heard was that school was having issues with buses because of protests around town. Of course, I was thinking, “What could they be protesting? The cabinet has been named, and things appear to be improving.” Well, the trouble came from a group of thugs that has been outlawed called the “Mungiki”. They are somewhere between an inner city gang and the mafia. They are allegedly part of the paid criminals that were causing some of the unrest in the country after the election. Two politicians were recently arrested for funding their escapades. Last Monday, they declared a week of mass protest because their leader has been held in jail on a weapons charge. The leader’s wife was murdered last week, and the group is blaming the police. However, it is speculated that she was probably killed as a result of fighting within the organization. At the end of the week, the government announced that they wanted to “dialogue” with the Mungiki, and the protests were called off. I guess we will have to wait and see what happens with that.
While we did not witness any trouble, we did cancel one of our classes due to uncertainty of safety on the roads. The school that our children attend had to cancel after school activities that Monday, but otherwise, it seemed to be a normal week. Thika did have quite a bit of trouble as businesses were threatened not to open because of the protest. Murang’a also experienced the troubles with businesses being forced to close. All reports are that things are back to normal now.
This week, we will try to get back on track with a make-up class. We are also beginning the task of sorting out the loan particulars for the groups in the different areas. Lots of number crunching is ahead in the next few weeks as we sort it all out.
We will write more later to update you on our groups. For now, please pray for continued peace and a willingness to let the healing process continue in this country. As always, we appreciate your prayers.
Blessings,
Anne
Things are improving on the political front. The new cabinet – though bloated in size with 40 new ministers and 52 assistant ministers – has an interesting composition. For each minister, the assistant minister was selected from the opposing political party. The hope is that they will be working together to fix some of the problems that brought us turmoil after the recent election. Please keep them in your prayers as they take on that task.
As one man commented to me last week, you sleep happy and then you may wake up to chaos. That is what happened last Monday morning. Though we were in no danger, the first thing that I heard was that school was having issues with buses because of protests around town. Of course, I was thinking, “What could they be protesting? The cabinet has been named, and things appear to be improving.” Well, the trouble came from a group of thugs that has been outlawed called the “Mungiki”. They are somewhere between an inner city gang and the mafia. They are allegedly part of the paid criminals that were causing some of the unrest in the country after the election. Two politicians were recently arrested for funding their escapades. Last Monday, they declared a week of mass protest because their leader has been held in jail on a weapons charge. The leader’s wife was murdered last week, and the group is blaming the police. However, it is speculated that she was probably killed as a result of fighting within the organization. At the end of the week, the government announced that they wanted to “dialogue” with the Mungiki, and the protests were called off. I guess we will have to wait and see what happens with that.
While we did not witness any trouble, we did cancel one of our classes due to uncertainty of safety on the roads. The school that our children attend had to cancel after school activities that Monday, but otherwise, it seemed to be a normal week. Thika did have quite a bit of trouble as businesses were threatened not to open because of the protest. Murang’a also experienced the troubles with businesses being forced to close. All reports are that things are back to normal now.
This week, we will try to get back on track with a make-up class. We are also beginning the task of sorting out the loan particulars for the groups in the different areas. Lots of number crunching is ahead in the next few weeks as we sort it all out.
We will write more later to update you on our groups. For now, please pray for continued peace and a willingness to let the healing process continue in this country. As always, we appreciate your prayers.
Blessings,
Anne
Monday, April 14, 2008
Nairobi News
April 14, 2008
Today, Anne and I were running errands in Nairobi, and as we drove around from location to location, we couldn’t help remarking on how much potential this country has. Compared to other developing nations, Kenya is industrious and resourceful in spite of its extreme poverty and multiple infrastructure problems.
It appears the government is slowly working its way out of the election controversies. Yesterday, a new cabinet was named, whereby both parties are represented equally, achieving the first in a series of challenges for reconciliation in the upcoming years. I believe Kenyans are up to the task.
It is for some of these reasons that we believe so strongly in working here. We see the potential for change, and we really want to honor God by being a part of it in some small way. Our four new groups are progressing nicely. In Kabete, we have 50 farmers who have recently planted bird of paradise seedlings. These plants will generate a healthy income for all of them for many years.
In Mang’u and Murang’a, we have nearly 100 farmers planting growing passion fruit. Recently, a representative of an international NGO, the Horticultural Development Corporation, told me we need to be planting more passion fruit because currently farmers cannot meet the demand for the export market here in Kenya.
In Ngarendare 60 farmers are planting mobydick flowers for export. Most of them are new growers of this particular flower, but they are eager to learn. We recently went on a tour of some larger flower farms in nearby Naro Moro to learn about the production and grading of this particular flower. The tour had the desired effect: all came away with a sense of optimism, seeing how others were growing the plant successfully.
Unfortunately, there are those here who don’t seem to want their country to succeed. Crime here is rampant, and there are those who still wish to stir up civil unrest. Consequently, we are on our guard always. We are not traveling in areas that may be potentially dangerous, and this unfortunately slows our progress at times.
A fellow Anglican missionary friend of mine recently told me he thought it would take a full generation to fully heal the bitter animosity that exists amongst two of the major tribes in Kenya. I must admit that I agree, regardless of my optimism, but I will close by saying that I believe the vast majority of Kenyans do want genuine peace and reconciliation among all people of this land. Please pray that the few who don’t want peace do not get their way.
All God’s Blessings,
Horace
Today, Anne and I were running errands in Nairobi, and as we drove around from location to location, we couldn’t help remarking on how much potential this country has. Compared to other developing nations, Kenya is industrious and resourceful in spite of its extreme poverty and multiple infrastructure problems.
It appears the government is slowly working its way out of the election controversies. Yesterday, a new cabinet was named, whereby both parties are represented equally, achieving the first in a series of challenges for reconciliation in the upcoming years. I believe Kenyans are up to the task.
It is for some of these reasons that we believe so strongly in working here. We see the potential for change, and we really want to honor God by being a part of it in some small way. Our four new groups are progressing nicely. In Kabete, we have 50 farmers who have recently planted bird of paradise seedlings. These plants will generate a healthy income for all of them for many years.
In Mang’u and Murang’a, we have nearly 100 farmers planting growing passion fruit. Recently, a representative of an international NGO, the Horticultural Development Corporation, told me we need to be planting more passion fruit because currently farmers cannot meet the demand for the export market here in Kenya.
In Ngarendare 60 farmers are planting mobydick flowers for export. Most of them are new growers of this particular flower, but they are eager to learn. We recently went on a tour of some larger flower farms in nearby Naro Moro to learn about the production and grading of this particular flower. The tour had the desired effect: all came away with a sense of optimism, seeing how others were growing the plant successfully.
Unfortunately, there are those here who don’t seem to want their country to succeed. Crime here is rampant, and there are those who still wish to stir up civil unrest. Consequently, we are on our guard always. We are not traveling in areas that may be potentially dangerous, and this unfortunately slows our progress at times.
A fellow Anglican missionary friend of mine recently told me he thought it would take a full generation to fully heal the bitter animosity that exists amongst two of the major tribes in Kenya. I must admit that I agree, regardless of my optimism, but I will close by saying that I believe the vast majority of Kenyans do want genuine peace and reconciliation among all people of this land. Please pray that the few who don’t want peace do not get their way.
All God’s Blessings,
Horace
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Happy Easter from The Tiptons
We pray that you and your family
have had a Wonderful Easter!
We are headed for the coast for a vacation. This next week is Spring Break from school.
have had a Wonderful Easter!
We are headed for the coast for a vacation. This next week is Spring Break from school.
We are looking forward to spending the week relaxing. The children will have many friends around at the same hotel.
We will update you on our work progress when we return.
Blessings,
The Tipton Family
Sunday, March 16, 2008
March Newsletter
Dear Friends,
If you have not seen our blog, please check out http://plantingfaith.blogspot.com. We try to update it weekly with news of our work here.
Now that peace has come across Kenya, there seems to be a wave of optimism amongst the people here, who desperately long for sources of hope. In this case, government and opposition leaders have signed a power sharing agreement that has brought an end to the violence that wracked the country in January and February. Everyone is now praying that the peace is indeed lasting, and it appears that this will be the case, as the international community is doing everything possible to make sure both sides keep up their ends of the deal.
Our work is now going well. We just started a new farmer group in an area outside Nairobi called Kabete. This group will be growing the bird of paradise flower for export. This is truly a long-term investment, as they won’t harvest for 12 months, but once they begin, the plant will live and produce income for them for years to come. In Mang’u and Murang’a, the passion fruit farmers are doing well. Their plants are growing taller and will need trellising very soon. In Ngarendare, the flower farmers are preparing themselves for harvest. Because most of them are new to the crop they are growing – Mobydick – they are going to visit a farm in the village of Naro Moro this week where they can witness firsthand the harvest and grading of these flowers.
Because life came to a standstill in many parts of the country during January and part of February, most everyone will tell you now they are working double-time to catch up because of all the lost time. Anne and I are no exceptions. We’ve been holding two farmer meetings per week, teaching, checking crops, holding discipleship lessons and just managing the general welfare of the groups, since the signing of the peace agreement.
The question remains, however, is how did a country which professes to be 85% Christian let this happen. In a number of sermons and talks we have heard, this question is posed by Kenyans to Kenyans. While the answers vary, one common theme amongst everyone is that renewal in Jesus Christ is truly needed here. Only He can bring about the true reconciliation that is needed amongst warring people groups, and that of course, is reconciliation through Him in truth. Maybe in some small way we too can be a part of this process. Only the Lord knows.
Life on the home front is pretty normal. Mary Shea broke her arm last month, but now has her cast off and appears to be fully healed, as she has gone back to swim team practice. Horace has just wound up his basketball season. His team made it to the semi-finals of their tournament play. Everyone on the team was pleased with how they played this year, even though the season was interrupted because of the violence early on. Rugby season is coming up soon.
We recently sold all but one of our Labrador puppies…yahoo! We have one left who is unfortunately very sickly and must get well before we can even think about selling her. However, as easily as the others sold, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Spring break is coming soon, and all of us are happy for the much needed break. We are going on a short trip to the Kenyan coast (thanks to the sale of the puppies) and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Everyone is very excited, especially the kids because a lot of their friends will be there as well.
As Easter approaches, one can’t help but be reflective on all Christ has done for us. In times such as we have had in the last couple of months, the message of the Cross truly brings it all home. Had Jesus not died and rose again for our sins, life would truly be chaotic all the time, but because of His grace, we can see glimpses of His glory shining through even in times of despair. We once heard that one cannot truly experience Easter unless he experiences Lent as well. We cannot agree more emphatically. This will truly be a Lenten season that we never, ever forget.
Yours in Christ,
Horace, Anne, Horace, Jr. and Mary Shea
If you have not seen our blog, please check out http://plantingfaith.blogspot.com. We try to update it weekly with news of our work here.
Now that peace has come across Kenya, there seems to be a wave of optimism amongst the people here, who desperately long for sources of hope. In this case, government and opposition leaders have signed a power sharing agreement that has brought an end to the violence that wracked the country in January and February. Everyone is now praying that the peace is indeed lasting, and it appears that this will be the case, as the international community is doing everything possible to make sure both sides keep up their ends of the deal.
Our work is now going well. We just started a new farmer group in an area outside Nairobi called Kabete. This group will be growing the bird of paradise flower for export. This is truly a long-term investment, as they won’t harvest for 12 months, but once they begin, the plant will live and produce income for them for years to come. In Mang’u and Murang’a, the passion fruit farmers are doing well. Their plants are growing taller and will need trellising very soon. In Ngarendare, the flower farmers are preparing themselves for harvest. Because most of them are new to the crop they are growing – Mobydick – they are going to visit a farm in the village of Naro Moro this week where they can witness firsthand the harvest and grading of these flowers.
Because life came to a standstill in many parts of the country during January and part of February, most everyone will tell you now they are working double-time to catch up because of all the lost time. Anne and I are no exceptions. We’ve been holding two farmer meetings per week, teaching, checking crops, holding discipleship lessons and just managing the general welfare of the groups, since the signing of the peace agreement.
The question remains, however, is how did a country which professes to be 85% Christian let this happen. In a number of sermons and talks we have heard, this question is posed by Kenyans to Kenyans. While the answers vary, one common theme amongst everyone is that renewal in Jesus Christ is truly needed here. Only He can bring about the true reconciliation that is needed amongst warring people groups, and that of course, is reconciliation through Him in truth. Maybe in some small way we too can be a part of this process. Only the Lord knows.
Life on the home front is pretty normal. Mary Shea broke her arm last month, but now has her cast off and appears to be fully healed, as she has gone back to swim team practice. Horace has just wound up his basketball season. His team made it to the semi-finals of their tournament play. Everyone on the team was pleased with how they played this year, even though the season was interrupted because of the violence early on. Rugby season is coming up soon.
We recently sold all but one of our Labrador puppies…yahoo! We have one left who is unfortunately very sickly and must get well before we can even think about selling her. However, as easily as the others sold, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Spring break is coming soon, and all of us are happy for the much needed break. We are going on a short trip to the Kenyan coast (thanks to the sale of the puppies) and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Everyone is very excited, especially the kids because a lot of their friends will be there as well.
As Easter approaches, one can’t help but be reflective on all Christ has done for us. In times such as we have had in the last couple of months, the message of the Cross truly brings it all home. Had Jesus not died and rose again for our sins, life would truly be chaotic all the time, but because of His grace, we can see glimpses of His glory shining through even in times of despair. We once heard that one cannot truly experience Easter unless he experiences Lent as well. We cannot agree more emphatically. This will truly be a Lenten season that we never, ever forget.
Yours in Christ,
Horace, Anne, Horace, Jr. and Mary Shea
Monday, March 10, 2008
March 10 Update
Greetings from Nairobi! Once again we find ourselves in the strange position of living in a hot and dry climate when friends and family in both the US and the UK are experiencing severe cold weather. Our prayers are with all of those facing these winter storms. We truly hope they are the fun kind of winter weather with beautiful snow and warm fires inside rather than the bitter cold and dangerous ice and wind. And, I hope some of my teacher friends and family were able to enjoy some snow days!
Last week, we felt that we were once again running a somewhat normal schedule. Tuesday, we were in Murang’a to have a business seminar with the passion fruit growers there. Things seem to be going well. There was some need for some replacement plants on some of the farms, so we took care of that also. Things seem to be progressing fairly normally without any unusual problems. Everyone will, of course, be glad to see the first fruits being harvested. We have a few months before that will happen however. They are ready to install posts and wires for the trellising of the plants.
Friday, we were in the Kabete area. Even though this is very close to Nairobi, we felt we were in a very rural area. The growers there are just beginning a flower growing business – growing Bird of Paradise flowers for the export market there. We had an introductory meeting in which contracts and the format was explained in detail. We will be meeting with this group in May, as they have chosen a quarterly meeting format. The group is full of optimism about the project, and it is always a blessing to be in the middle of that feeling.
Tomorrow, we head to Ngarendare, which is close to Nanyuki near Mt. Kenya. The growers there are farming the Moby Dick flower for export. We will be having a business seminar and discipleship class as well as viewing the crop. We will be spending the night in Nanyuki. We are blessed to have two fellow Anglican missionaries, Amber and Anne, staying with our children while we are away. Thursday, we head to Mang’u for another business seminar.
Family life is going fine. We have all been healthy, which is a true blessing. Saturday was Horace’s basketball tournament at RVA (a rival school about an hour away). While they played well, they lost in the semifinals. Next, we move on to rugby. Mom will try to watch the games, but I have to tell you, it is difficult sometimes! Thankfully, this week is free of sports and activities for him. The rest will be welcomed. Mary Shea continues to swim, so we will have that activity this week. She has parent teacher conferences this Friday, so she is eagerly anticipating the day off from school.
That is about all of our news. The details of the political settlement are still working their way through Parliament, but all looks like it will be settled soon. For the most part, all is very calm here, as the people were very weary of the turmoil that wracked the country during January and February. There is no doubt now that the peace will be lasting, and there is a great deal of optimism as for what the future holds for Kenya.
We appreciate your prayers as always. Thank you for your support and encouragement.
Blessings,
Anne
Last week, we felt that we were once again running a somewhat normal schedule. Tuesday, we were in Murang’a to have a business seminar with the passion fruit growers there. Things seem to be going well. There was some need for some replacement plants on some of the farms, so we took care of that also. Things seem to be progressing fairly normally without any unusual problems. Everyone will, of course, be glad to see the first fruits being harvested. We have a few months before that will happen however. They are ready to install posts and wires for the trellising of the plants.
Friday, we were in the Kabete area. Even though this is very close to Nairobi, we felt we were in a very rural area. The growers there are just beginning a flower growing business – growing Bird of Paradise flowers for the export market there. We had an introductory meeting in which contracts and the format was explained in detail. We will be meeting with this group in May, as they have chosen a quarterly meeting format. The group is full of optimism about the project, and it is always a blessing to be in the middle of that feeling.
Tomorrow, we head to Ngarendare, which is close to Nanyuki near Mt. Kenya. The growers there are farming the Moby Dick flower for export. We will be having a business seminar and discipleship class as well as viewing the crop. We will be spending the night in Nanyuki. We are blessed to have two fellow Anglican missionaries, Amber and Anne, staying with our children while we are away. Thursday, we head to Mang’u for another business seminar.
Family life is going fine. We have all been healthy, which is a true blessing. Saturday was Horace’s basketball tournament at RVA (a rival school about an hour away). While they played well, they lost in the semifinals. Next, we move on to rugby. Mom will try to watch the games, but I have to tell you, it is difficult sometimes! Thankfully, this week is free of sports and activities for him. The rest will be welcomed. Mary Shea continues to swim, so we will have that activity this week. She has parent teacher conferences this Friday, so she is eagerly anticipating the day off from school.
That is about all of our news. The details of the political settlement are still working their way through Parliament, but all looks like it will be settled soon. For the most part, all is very calm here, as the people were very weary of the turmoil that wracked the country during January and February. There is no doubt now that the peace will be lasting, and there is a great deal of optimism as for what the future holds for Kenya.
We appreciate your prayers as always. Thank you for your support and encouragement.
Blessings,
Anne
Monday, March 3, 2008
Monday Morning Update - March 3
Technology can be a wonderful thing, but I am learning the lesson to always double check on its accuracy!!!
I received a message Thursday that our entry had been posted on the blog, but it was not the case as it was evidently lost in cyber space. So, I went to repost this morning. I guess the blogger site felt guilty. It posted it twice to make up for last week. UGGGGHHHHHH!!!!! I am attempting to fix the problem. Maybe you can have patience for me. This certainly seems to be a rough Monday morning.
We are trying to get back on track after all of the turmoil for the past two months. The overall atmosphere in this country is so different than just one week ago. Many are quite hopeful of the future that this peace deal will bring. At the same time, there are many sobering reminders that Kenya has a lot of work to do to heal and achieve lasting peace among all people. Many organizations are looking at ways they can address these problems. People who once worked together peacefully were torn apart over the elections and resulting violence and there is a climate of hostility in some places that will be hard to overcome. Now, Kenyans begin work to live together in peace and understanding.
We are all doing fine and getting ready for a busy week.
Tuesday, we head to Murang’a to meet with a farmer group. They are growing passion fruit. We will hold a business seminar and a discipleship lesson with the group leaders. Horace will be in the field checking the crop. It will be the first time I have been there since before Christmas. Horace has visited the crop, but we have not had a large meeting.
Friday is another busy day. We are meeting with a new group in Kabete – which is very close to Nairobi to start a flower project. They will be growing the Bird of Paradise flower. We will be starting the seminars and discipleship lessons with them.
While tourism and travel to Kenya has been disrupted, it has meant the cancellation of some of the short term mission teams that were coming to work with us. We are pleased to say that we are now beginning to make plans for teams coming. That is indeed great news. Please pray as these plans are finalized and details are worked out.
Family life is going well. Mary Shea is back to normal activity, although swimming certainly gave her a challenge (20 laps just to warm up!). Horace is gearing up for a basketball tournament this weekend. He plays his electric bass in chapel with the worship team today, and I hope to make it over to attend. Spring Break is in just three weeks, and I have to say, they are counting the days! We have sold two puppies, and we have two ready to go. Tangawizi, our sickly one, is fat and happy here, but she is not quite ready to leave us – or the medical treatments.
We will continue to update you as things develop, although, I will be checking for more accurate postings on the website. We are so thankful for your prayers and encouragement.
Have a Blessed Week!!
Anne
I received a message Thursday that our entry had been posted on the blog, but it was not the case as it was evidently lost in cyber space. So, I went to repost this morning. I guess the blogger site felt guilty. It posted it twice to make up for last week. UGGGGHHHHHH!!!!! I am attempting to fix the problem. Maybe you can have patience for me. This certainly seems to be a rough Monday morning.
We are trying to get back on track after all of the turmoil for the past two months. The overall atmosphere in this country is so different than just one week ago. Many are quite hopeful of the future that this peace deal will bring. At the same time, there are many sobering reminders that Kenya has a lot of work to do to heal and achieve lasting peace among all people. Many organizations are looking at ways they can address these problems. People who once worked together peacefully were torn apart over the elections and resulting violence and there is a climate of hostility in some places that will be hard to overcome. Now, Kenyans begin work to live together in peace and understanding.
We are all doing fine and getting ready for a busy week.
Tuesday, we head to Murang’a to meet with a farmer group. They are growing passion fruit. We will hold a business seminar and a discipleship lesson with the group leaders. Horace will be in the field checking the crop. It will be the first time I have been there since before Christmas. Horace has visited the crop, but we have not had a large meeting.
Friday is another busy day. We are meeting with a new group in Kabete – which is very close to Nairobi to start a flower project. They will be growing the Bird of Paradise flower. We will be starting the seminars and discipleship lessons with them.
While tourism and travel to Kenya has been disrupted, it has meant the cancellation of some of the short term mission teams that were coming to work with us. We are pleased to say that we are now beginning to make plans for teams coming. That is indeed great news. Please pray as these plans are finalized and details are worked out.
Family life is going well. Mary Shea is back to normal activity, although swimming certainly gave her a challenge (20 laps just to warm up!). Horace is gearing up for a basketball tournament this weekend. He plays his electric bass in chapel with the worship team today, and I hope to make it over to attend. Spring Break is in just three weeks, and I have to say, they are counting the days! We have sold two puppies, and we have two ready to go. Tangawizi, our sickly one, is fat and happy here, but she is not quite ready to leave us – or the medical treatments.
We will continue to update you as things develop, although, I will be checking for more accurate postings on the website. We are so thankful for your prayers and encouragement.
Have a Blessed Week!!
Anne
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