June 2003


June 21, 2003

Dear Friends and Family:

We are beginning our final week in Kenya before our departure at the end of the week. Chris and Susanna will leave on KLM Thursday, June 26, while the remainder of the family will leave Friday, June 27 [so we hope]. It will still be a bit uncertain until we actually board a plane, and British Air is keeping their mouth closed as well as a stiff upper lip. It has been very difficult to get any information, I suspect due to security concerns. Kenya is still on a high alert status for terrorist activity despite the peace and security we feel everywhere we have been. We will keep our eyes open.

Orphans and Widows Project

Today we met with 42 orphans who are enrolled in high school under the sponsorship of our orphan’s education program. Many walked from quite a distance to come to the program held at a local school here at Tenwek. Others were unavailable due to a mid-term break in which they visited relatives.

The students sat through sermons by Pastors David Kilel and Samuel Koskei as well as messages from Marty and me. Our girls sang songs for them and played volleyball with the girls while Chris played soccer with the boys. We ate a Kenya style meal with them [rice, beans, and a very tough meat]. During the entire program, the young people were attentive, courteous, and involved with the program. At the end of the 6-hour day, Pastor Kilel asked

June 9, 2003

Dear Friends and Family:

We’ve had a good two weeks since I last wrote. There are answers to prayer to report. Carol Spears is doing well. She is completing her time at Tenwek in the next week. Please pray for her travel back to the States and the adjustments she will need to make in getting back into a surgical residency, buying a car, and seeing family and friends. Life in the USA is quite an adjustment after a year abroad even without all the added difficulties.

An Updated Letter from Carol Spears

Carol has sent another message telling of her struggles through this ordeal. It is again a letter that glorifies God and teaches us all how God can work in such a situation that, humanly speaking, is terrible. I thought her words would encourage you.

“The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth….He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31

God is good. He is faithful. He sustains and renews and gives strength and comfort – through others and through His word. As I have resumed my life here in Kenya, I have been surrounded by the body of Christ in these dear