still here...

Just want to let any faithfuls know that I am still in Kenya. I'm trying to sort out what I'm feeling, seeing and hearing this last month and a half. All I can say is pray for Kenya and those in other countries experiencing fear, displacement and war. I know God is in control, but these situations have shown me the deep heart of mankind - bent on evil. Truly, we need a Saviour!

Father of the fatherless

Pray for these two children who have run away. Two weeks ago, John Karanja, ran away and was returned by his grandmother who lives a 10 hour walk away. He ran away again yesterday.

Teresiah ran away a few days after John did, but she hasn't returned. It has almost been two weeks. Pray for safety and protection over them and that God will watch over them as He did before they were brought to St. Nicholas Children's Home.

Who am I to be so blessed?

This New Year's Eve has been quite a different one than I have ever experienced. My midnite phone calls weren't to wish people a Happy New Year, but to see if they were alive and well. Praise God because most of my friends are fine. There are a few that I can't get in contact with and others that I couldn't talk to on Monday night, I have now talked to or heard from. If you're wondering what I'm writing about... let me brief you with the words from our director.

"The presidential election process in Kenya has resulted in serious civil unrest in many points across the country. News updates can be found at www.bbc.com and other international news agencies in regards to the ongoing problems...
All SIM Kenya personnel are safe and accounted for. SIMers in Nairobi, where much of the trouble has been centered, have been able to leave their compounds for food and other supplies. All compounds in Nairobi have walls and security guards as well as other measures for safety. Other SIM personnel in Kenya have reported that they are safe.
On Thursday, 3 January, a rally is being planned that may lead to further increased tensions. Please be in prayer for Kenya, the many Kenyans that have been affected by the disturbances and for a peaceful resolution to the problems."


Yes, I am safe in a compound, but what about all the children that I work with, my fellow teachers, friends, staff workers, neighbours or youth? I have always been blessed with so much! I don't think I have really seen with how much I've been blessed with until this last week. Safety, freedom, food, money, shelter, family, friends, GOD! We think that everyone has a human right to these things, yet not everyone does. And I have done NOTHING to deserve it any more than the mother I passed begging on the street.

I can't say much about what's going on, but please pray for the country of Kenya and while you're at it - thank God for what He has blessed you with this day, this year.


Dear Almighty God,

You are Jehovah.
You are all-powerful and all-seeing.
You see what is happening here in Kenya.
You see the hurting, angry youth.
You see the confused, innocent children.
You hear the shouts of frustrated men; disappointed in their leaders.
You hear the cries of scared women who are trying to provide for their families.
You alone, God, are the One that we can run to in this time of trouble.

Please stop these people from all the fighting, looting, killing and burning.
God, we speak against the spirit of hate; the spirit of disunity; the spirit of fighting and killing!
Saviour, we ask You to restore peace in this nation.
Lord, we put our trust in Your Sovereign Hand - that You can bring the leaders of this country together to work out a solution.

Father, Keep Your people - my friends safe.
Provide food and shelter for them.
Show us how to pray for this situation and what actions to take.

We pray this believing and trusting that You are able...
In Jesus' Name. AMEN.

A glimpse of October...

Homework Time

Teacher Grace and the nursery class and my baby class
Eating ugali... it's a staple food in Kenya
A group of kids from another children's home 2 hours north
Saying goodnight
"This is the way we wash our clothes..."
Having a picnic in the park with other short-termers from around the world
Men praying in the park.... wouldn't see this in Canada - would we?
Celebrating Harriet's confirmation in the Anglican Church
Making Chapatti... every Saturday!
Nairobi International Trade Show
Preparing for Thanksgiving Dinner in the big house beside my cottage :) (it has an oven)
Using book covers to make masks
After a fun evening of dancing and fun!

Most of the gang from St. Nic's

Don't wait for 2 weeks to do your laundry....

...because it will take all day

Dear God,

So far today,

I’ve done alright.

I haven’t gossiped.

I haven’t lost my temper.

I haven’t been greedy,

Grumpy, nasty, selfish

Or overindulgent.

I’m very thankful for that.

But in a few minutes, God,

I’m going to get out of bed…

And from then on,

I’m probably going to need a lot more help.

Amen.