And Finally...

“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them” Isaiah 11:6

Yes, children came to us. During our time at Kapsowar we had the opportunity to meet many Kenyan children and it was great to see our children respond with the love of Christ.  We went to the Shammah  School where we had the opportunity to play with them during PE and also to attend their weekly chapel. The Kenyan children all want to touch the hands of our children.  Joseph was a little shy and overwhelmed by so many children but Annie, Sam, Ellie and Ella all joined in the activities.  For the chapel they even helped lead a song and Bible story complete with actions. I must say the African children were a little better at singing and the always wanted to sing for us. A few we actually knew and could sing along like “Lord I Lift Your Name on High.”

We also walked to a Children’s Home and learned how orphaned children live  - very sparsely!

They get love and attention and an education. Some are even sponsored to get a higher education.

That reminds me of Godwin - a child left at the hospital who was abused and not wanted. They are trying to get him into the Children’s Home but in the meantime he hangs out at the hospital. The kids took a game over to play with him and started to get to know him.  By the time we left he was venturing over to the missionary compound and always wanted to play with Sam.  Sam left him a gift of clothing (shirt, pants and socks) before leaving.  Ella also gave him her spinner.

How wonderful to see our kids wanting to help in a way that they could.

The other group of children that our children ministered to was the American missionary children.  Since some families were on furlough there was only one family left and their 4 children were starved for playmates.  All of our children reached out to them despite ages differences.  Ellie especially reached out to 2 younger girls. Joseph, though shy in large groups, loved to play with the children around the mission compound. Oscar was his favorite friend but as time went on he expanded that to a larger group of friends. 

I had the privilege of staying with the kids when their parents were at the hospital and was blest to watch how they all showed their faith in God in their own ways.  We all spent much time at the library of an African Inland Mission Church and School.  It was is disarray and the amount of red dust we stirred up was amazing.  After many partial days of work we felt a sense of completion the day before we left.  Annie and Ella especially liked the task of organizing.

I think sometimes we forget and underestimate how our children can be used by God.

“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24

And we have seen many of those creatures and the beauty of creation here is Kenya. We ended our time at Kapsowar and headed to the Masai Mara where we have gone on 2 safaris and will go on 2 more. In the mountains, on the plains, and in the river we have seen creatures: all types of antelopes, giraffes, male and female lions, jackals, hyenas, elephants, buffaloes, wart hogs, baboons, hippos, monkeys, zebras, and eagles.  What a wonderful variety of creation, each unique and amazing. This, all among the plains in the mountains where they all graze or hunt. God provides for them all in a variety of ways.  This all in an resort atmosphere of exotic tents beside the river. God has blessed us with this time of relaxation and wonder.  A wonderful way to say goodbye to Kenya. 

Judy

Judy 

​

Sharing with Suffering

We have left Kapsowar, but we have taken a piece with us and have left a piece behind. Thank you for all the prayers throughout our time there. Continue to keep Kapsowar hospital and all the people serving there in your prayers. Dr Rhodes made a great comment during our last devotions - he was discussing how to respond to the extreme suffering we see here in Kenya - "the reality is we cannot change the suffering - we can only join the people in their suffering." We came along a few in their suffering during this trip and hopefully we showed them the love and compassion of Jesus. We pray that we continue to do that same thing to all those we meet whether in America or Kenya or anywhere else the Lord might lead us. We are at safari now...and then will start the long journey home on Monday...still a little time for my mom to blog :). - Christine 

Blog of Lists

We only have two more days at Kapsowar - the time has gone fast and we will be sad to leave...we all talked over dinner and wrote this blog together...so, the blog of lists by David, Judy, Jeremy, Christine, Annie, Sam, Ellie, Josef, Pam and Ella.

Things We Take for Granted
abundant, clean, water - hot water!!!!
electricity
paved roads
cleanliness
grocery stores
sanitation
appliances
wifi
privacy
coffee/Starbucks
milk
ice cubes
ease of getting from one place to another
medical diagnostic tools

Things We Have Learned
cooking with minimal supplies
attributes of God
not to judge people
not to complain on hikes if you want a reward
how to cast
that Kenyans love to shake hands as a greeting
that Kenyans start school at age 3 and at 6:30 am
how to avoid cow poop
the Apostles Creed
altitude is a real thing
being kind and obedient makes you feel good
woman are named after their eldest child

Unusual Things We Have Experienced
cows in our back yard                                                      
honeycomb straight from a beehive in the tree
roosters pecking at door                                            
bird and safari ants in the house
unchewable mutton
altitude sickness
creepy guys following us
                                                                                   
Things We Will Miss
simplicity of life
slower pace
house help
Dr Rhode's devotions
Pick-n-Peel juice
Oscar
roosters crowing in the morning
Mama Brian
not having to worry about material possessions
the view
more time with God

Answered Prayer
rain
travel safety

Grace with medical wisdom and the nurses trust
travel to and from Iten
 connections with coaches and athletes
people staying healthy
meeting Joy's family
Pastor Jacob and his connection to Pastor Robert
Mama Brian
library project for the kids
specific patients

Things to Pray For
Godwin to find a home (hopefully the children's home)
Oscar to get his passport
the long term missionaries here
rain/water source
the upcoming Kenyan election
medical équipement that the hospital needs
our transition back, response to trip and future plans

A personal contrast

On my run this morning I looked down at my shoes and noticed how clean they were compared to last week. They were covered in red dirt from 2 weeks of running dirt roads. This morning they looked like new, as if I just pulled them out of the box. Our housekeeper, Sally, had cleaned them without me asking. She has also cleaned my work shoes and sandals. (Having 3 pairs of shoes with me is also a sign of my excess.) This is no easy task to scrub the red dirt out of the fabric. My hiking sandals I used to climb Kip Kunur  and they were caked with mud but now look like new. Sally works every day without complaint cleaning floors, and washing clothes. She makes our life a little more comfortable without seeking recognition for herself. I am very grateful for her and her example to all of us. She is a person who walks in a manner worthy of the Lord, (Colossians 1:9-12). What a contrast to my self focused attitude. Humbling.

Jeremy

Whining, safari ants, and public transportation

I struggled this weekend with tiredness. Tired of filtering water by hand for almost an hour every day so we could have safe drinking water. Tired of flushing toilets with buckets of recycled shower water to conserve our tank of water. Tired of cold, dripping showers. Tired of red dirt everywhere. In my nose, in my hair, on my clothes and on my shoes...if this sounds like I am whining you are correct. I sat in a hot, muggy church Sunday morning with most of the service in Merekwet, not understanding much, and just plain worn out. I said, "God, I need something!" Not out loud of course, but I needed help to get through the day and next week. I didn't get anything during the service but later I did find some distraction by using a rolling pin to roll out Christine's aching leg muscles from climbing Kip Kunur the day before.


My mind and spirit seemed to be clearing and Sunday night we studied Isaiah 65. It tells of a whiney rebellious nation headed for captivity and the hope of restoration in a new heaven and new earth upon Christ's return when God declares he will make all things new. This was connected with Titus 2:11-14...the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires, and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age. Basically what I heard was that God will restore this world to what he intended it to be but in the interim, by His grace, I have a choice in how I choose to live. I can whine and complain, focusing entirely on my self or live dependently, resting in His grace, choosing to live each day obediently and in faith. (Although I can still crave a cold glass of milk.)

BTW - Sports Med in Iten is going great - more contact with coaches and seven patients today. I have now done all forms of Kenyan public transportation - the tuk tuk, matatu and today the piki piki.

Christine already mentioned the safari ant invasion, (you haven't lived until you have known the pain of several safari ants biting into your inner thigh), so I will let that one rest for now.

Love you all,

Jeremy

Only Josef Can See

Since Josef is the only family member who can't write a blog - I thought I would share what I have learned from him...I reflected on this today as he jumped in the puddles with several Kenyan school boys on lunch break. I have realized that Josef has something that none of the rest of us have - the ability to truly see people as God does - to accept everyone as equal and to not discriminate based on race or socioeconomic status. Try as I may, I can't get rid of my judgement when I see the extreme poverty here. I see the kids with torn shoes and dirty clothes and I have an immediate emotional response. Although I wish it was pure compassion and love that I feel, I know that there is an element of assumption or disgust. I hate that in myself and love that Josef doesn't see anything other than another kid to play with. It's like the below pictures that Sam took on our hike - when we get tripped up by the image in front of our eyes, we aren't able to see clearly the bigger view of God's created beauty - if we can, however, look past... then we see only the view of beauty. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28.

We are doing well..even survived the safari ant invasion last night - they were coming in under the door - FYI, powdered laundry soap is the cure...and watching your husband battle them in his socks and underwear is quite humorous. Annie and Ella went on rounds today with us. It was a busy day with the challenges that come with practicing medicine without resources. There is always combined sorrow and joy and Jesus meets us in both. It rained last night and is raining again now!! The work in the church library continues. Not many more days until we start our journey home - we covet your prayers for the remaining days here and the travel to get us to Safari and then home. My mom promises she will blog before this trip is done and we are all working on a special "list" blog so stay tuned. - Christine

Kip Kunur

Yesterday we hiked Mt Kip Kunur. The hike was 14 miles long and was very hard. Most of it was up hill and we climbed to 10,000 ft elevation. You had to look down to watch for safari ants, stinging nettles, and cow poop. Mama Brian was our guide. Gaga had some problems with his breathing so we had to take breaks for him to regain strength. We had to leave him at a rock about one hour from the top - I was worried about him, but God took care of him. Gaga says that he thinks God had him stay back so they could spend some time together. He says it was a powerful time talking with and hearing from God. At the top, there was a big rock that we sat on and had our snacks. It was very cool because we were in the clouds and sometimes it was hard to see. Also, it was scary because it was a ledge and I was scared to fall off. The way down was much easier and it helped that we had some bamboo walking sticks that a man cut for us. We also saw monkeys and a man who was getting honey from a bee hive. This morning we are all sore but it was worth it. -Sam

Chapel

This morning we went to the church to help lead chapel for Shammah school (which means God is here). We taught them a song and acted out the story of Noah and the ark....all the teachers were laughing at us as we acted like the animals going two by two onto the ark. Then they sang some songs for us - six kids even got up and sang a song by themselves to show appreciation to us. It was really fun to see how excited the kids were to have us there! - Annie

Children's Home

Today we went on a hike to the Children's Home. It was a hard, hard walk and at one point I fell really bad and cut my leg.

This is the Children's Home that my bible study raised money for. Fifteen children live there. They grow corn and other vegetables and have cows, chickens and goats. They only need 5 things provided for them: soap, sugar, salt, tea leaves and kerosene. Any money that comes in is used to pay for school fees. 

 Girls Dorm

 Kitchen

 They were singing to us -Lord, I Lift Your Name on High

 Brighton - The son of Rose who is in charge

PS. Yesterday, I got my hair braided by Mama Brian (we learned today that Mommy's name is Mommy Annie - you get the name after your first born). 

Iten update

A brief update on sports medicine in Iten. Sorry but no pictures this time either. I had planned on it but we were very busy. Pam Scott, a physical therapist who works with me at Carle, joined me for the trip. We took a matatu to Iten but a much different outcome. I asked the driver to go slow and it was very pleasant trip. I did premedicate this time but it wasn't needed.

We arrived early at Iten District Hospital to make sure we were organized for patients to come. We planned to start clinic at 1:00 and have an informational meeting with coaches, physios, and athletes to assess their needs. I expected a few patients at 1:00 because some coaches had called me about athletes they were bringing to the clinic. We waited for almost 1 hour and no one showed up. I wondered if this would be a flop. Maybe God intended for me to be focused elsewhere. I admit to some guilt for spending time away from Kapsowar, where there is so much need. Sports medicine seems to be a low priority when some are just trying to survive. We prayed asking for guidance and even reassurance that this is a work that He would have us do through His power. He has provided the connections and opened doors from our trip last year through this past week. This was not something I could have done on my own.

A few minutes later 2 athletes arrived and another coach called asking where he could find us. We took care of the athletes who had fairly simple injuries but no one to give an accurate diagnosis or prescribe appropriate treatment. Pam was especially helpful giving hands on treatment and teaching home exercise programs so they could take care of these injuries themselves. The physiotherapists here are basically massage therapists and sometimes cause harm with their treatments. The basics we take for granted are needed at every level here.

By the time we were done with patients, (we saw 5 patients!), the coaches and others had gathered to meet with us. We had about 15 people come for the meeting, which was more than I expected. They shared their concerns with us. Many of the athletes including some elite level athletes are poor farmers. Only the very few elite runners have resources to access health care. Most do not have any insurance or money to pay cash. There are many problems but one major issue is there is no trusted point of contact when an athlete is injured or sick. Most go to a local dispensary for treatment that may or may not be helpful. Basically they don't know where to go for help. We can help a lot with education and awareness. We hope to establish a group of sports medicine trained physicians and therapists to come to Iten on a monthly basis throughout the year. Possibly even remote consultation via Skype. Will wait to see how God leads us. The coaches and athletes are very happy to have someone who cares. I asked for their patience as this will be a process.

We will return to Iten next week. We have made a contact with a Canadian runner who ran cross country at the Univ of Louisville. She is a christian and is anxious to help us. She is part of the running community and an elite runner so her knowledge and connections will be very helpful. This another example of God's work in this. Overall a very good day and multiple answers to prayer. More pictures later...I promise.

Jeremy

Humility

Recently I have been pondering the concept of humility. I have come to understand that next to love this Christian virtue is pivotal to being able to seek and serve Christ as our new nature should. Here in this environment I have seen this in operation and it has been a challenge and an example for us, as we seek to grew "in Christ." The best definition I have heard for humility is: "To serve others without caring whether it is noticed or not!"
Here in Kapsowar the medical staff works daily to serve the needs of the sick who present themselves to the hospital. They do it not based upon quotas, reviews and evaluations, rewards of praise or money, or even patient acknowledgement. I find no flavor at all of "one-upmanship" or even the need to tell another of their days activities - as if they were our human accomplishments. Their praise comes from the Lord, creatively, personal and in just sufficient amount to empower them to continue this work with joy and peace. Their praise does not come from man. See John 12:42-43 and Galatians 1:10. What a sense of freedom and peace this allows one to know!
Each person is given just what they need each day to do what God's will is for them that day; like manna that God gave the Israelites as they trusted and obeyed Him in the wilderness. Yet, like them, there is no need for excess and we are not to seek to build up our supply so as to not need or rely upon God, and only God, for both provision and encouragement. See Exodus 16:13-19 (especially 18). I suspect growing in the virtue of humility requires us to be in a position that strips us of self and in an environment that deprioritizes self accomplishments.
Galatians 3: "Therefore as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
-David

Miracles and Manna from Heaven

When I think of missional medicine, I assume the necessity to speak to people of Jesus if any spiritual work is to be done. Of course, it is good to speak of Jesus whenever the opportunity is available, but something even more powerful has been impressed upon us this week - prayer. There have now been at least three specific instances where our (Jeremy, Dad and I) prayers have been effective in the absence of any conversation at all with the patient. We have been in awe of the power of God unleashed through our prayers. The most recent experience was realized this morning in rounds. Yesterday we rounded on a young woman with an organophosphate poisoning (drinking pesticide is the most common method of suicide here in Kenya). We didn't think she would live. We prayed for God's miraculous healing and later that day she woke up. This has been so encouraging to us as we often desire to "do more" and yet are limited by the language barrier, resources and time. We now see that God is using us just through our prayers. When you have little, you are forced to pray more and let God do what only He can do. My morning devotions appropriately said "God is the Great Physician who is mending creation one soul at a time. And through the power of the Holy Spirit he is able to use our limited, weak efforts to accomplish things we never imagined. Our job is to listen and respond in faith, even when it seems impossible."

Pam and Ella are here!!

Josef's face is much better - I think almost normal now - thanks for the prayers! And, Cindy you would be so proud - he has gone potty on the big boy potty the last 2 nights before bath :) Although, not so proud of his eating sand from the big sand pile that the cow was walking through - pray for no E coli infection!!

We had a fun afternoon with Mama Brian in Center getting measured by the tailors. It really helps to know that key person in town and Mama Brian has a real heart to help the missionary families that come to Kapsowar.

The water is like manna from heaven - we get a little rain at night - enough to supply the day and then it runs out again. Maybe more rain this weekend?!

Roller Coaster Ride from Iten.

I had a great visit in Iten yesterday. Fortunately there was an open seat available in a private van going to Iten so I didn't have to take a matatu. I was able to secure an exam room at the local hospital for a sports medicine specialty clinic and will hopefully have some physical therapy space for Pam too. I had lunch with Renato Canova and 2 other Kenyan running coaches. The meeting with Canova was not scheduled and definitely was an answer to prayer. He is "the" coach in Iten and is internationally known for his coaching methods for middle and long distance runners. He has coached many World champions and Olympic medalist. He is Italian and also an Irish priest which makes for a very thick accent. I could barely understand him. I sat next to him as he questioned my knowledge and motives. He was harsh and abrasive but I think I passed the test. After lunch he took me to see the marathon world record holder who has an injured knee. He kept a close eye on me during my exam and conversation with Dennis Kimetto, (he is the world record holder, 2:03 marathon in case you didn't catch it the first time). Dennis was grateful for my help and Canova even let his guard down for a moment, (I think he likes me now??).

On the way home I had to take a matatu, which amounts to a 1 hour roller coaster ride. I brought along medicine for motion sickness but it was too late by the time I remembered to take it. We took off like we were in a drag race and stopped suddenly for cows, goats, sheep and occasionally people. I stuck my head out the window to see who we were racing and I was nearly clipped by a matatu heading the other direction. We weaved back and forth from lane to lane, (except for the 10 km on the bumpy dirt road which only added to the ambiance), and around speed bumps without slowing down. I was on the verge of vomiting at any moment. Ten minutes into the ride I was sweating through my clothes and I could see my face in the rear view mirror. I was even more pale than your average white man in Kenya. My appearance must have been alarming to them so they drove even faster. I made it through with my lunch intact but it took several hours to recover.

Thank you for your prayers. Pray that this will be an opportunity to minister to coaches, athletes, and advance His Kingdom.

Back to Iten on Thursday with Pam to treat injured runners and meet with more coaches. And another matatu ride too. I will take pictures. Some of my running friends want proof.

Love you all,
Jeremy

Glimpses of God

At risk of over-blogging...I just wanted to share two glimpses of God that we saw today while they are on my mind

- An old woman had been on the medical ward for over one month - not getting better and wasn't going to get better - we saw her yesterday for the first time and prayed over her - for God's will to be done - Dad felt that the patient understood and agreed with our prayer. She died that night - we believe because of our prayers, her suffering has ended and she is now with Jesus.

-We went to Center today on a mission for fabric - we didn't really know where to look. A man began to follow us and make us uncomfortable. We went into one shop and a woman approached us "Sam (she knew Sam's name somehow from last years visit), I am here to help protect missionary families." Her name is Mama Brian and we had actually been told about her just this morning as she is going to braid Ellie's hair later this week. She helped us find the right fabric and is getting us set up with a tailor to make some African clothes. God provided her as loving provision and protection.

BTW - we gifted the hospital today with the medical supplies bought by our colleagues back home and they were received with much gratitude. 

Pray for more rain - we don't have any water in our house - running back and forth to my parents house for water as their tank still has some...and pray for Jeremy as he goes back and forth to Iten - he went today for the first time - on a Matatu now as we speak...

Pam and Ella arrive tomorrow! We can't wait to see them - they are in Nairobi now resting.

Love to all - Christine

Questions

I woke up from a difficult night of sleep feeling tired and somewhat discouraged. I was having some internal conflicts with God - regarding my sleep, regarding the deep suffering we are witnessing, regarding my call as a physician etc. Not to mention our water in the house is out and Josef has Bell's palsy (good news is it rained some last night and I think we have some rain water in our tank that can be transferred to the house). Devotions this morning was perfect for me - Dr. Rhodes taught from Psalm 13. We see David ask questions in the Psalms - deep, conflicting questions. Three times in the beginning of Psalm 13 we see David ask "How long, O Lord?" David is having an internal conflict with wondering where God is in his pain. David cries out "Consider and answer me, O Lord my God." The interesting thing is that there is no answer given. Instead there is a resolution by David..

"But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness

My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. 

I will sing to the Lord,

Because He has dealt bountifully with me."

David is comforted not by answers from God, but by God Himself. God warrants our trust because of who He is and who we are not. God warrants our trust because of what He has done. I left devotions choosing to rejoice, choosing to sing because God has dealt bountifully with me. 

The other thing that has helped me as I wrestle with the natural questions arising from disparity is a book I am reading. In the chapter on "Why Does a Good God Allow Evil and Suffering" it encourages us to be ok living without an answer. Saying that this "brings our very finiteness to the surface of our souls and reminds us we are not God." It equates the insistence for an answer to idolatry, and says that only when we let go of our demand for intellectual satisfaction are we "set free to seek God for comfort, hope, healing, peace and salvation." I will say that between the US and Kenya I understand the prayer of Agur in Proverbs 30:8-9 "Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is my portion, that I not be full and deny You and say, 'Who is the Lord?' or that I not be in want and steal, and profane the name of my God.'"

 You can see Josef's asymmetric smile from his Bell's palsy - he is otherwise acting normal - pray that his symptoms resolve quickly and don't get worse.

View out of the female medical ward during rounds today. 

Water and Dust

Today I went with Lion, Mike, Samuel and Edwin to work on the water pipes. They are getting ready to put new pipes in to bring water to the hospital. We drove to the tree line and then hiked about an hour into the forest to the water source. Mike, Samuel and Edwin worked to repair some broken pipes. When we were up there, Lion was walking on the pipes and in the water - he lost one of his crocs and we had to chase it down the river. Thankfully, some sticks stopped it. I can't believe how hard they have to work to get clean water. -Sam

 We have been going to the nearby church to help organize the library. This is a great project for me since I love to organize. The books are in no order, so it is a very time consuming project. My mom, grandma and I made some good progress today though. Everything in there is covered with red dust including us when we leave. -Annie

We prayed for service opportunities for the kids before we left and God has been faithful. When we were visiting the Okumu family at Kabarak we met Pastor Jacob who called his friend, Pastor Robert, here in Kapsowar. He has given us the library project and the kids are also going to spend some time with their school children. A few days ago, the attribute of God that we studied was His omniscience. God truly is all knowing, all-seeing and all-wise. We have seen this in many ways during this trip including His activity in and through all four of our children! - Christine

Ridge Walk

Yesterday we went on a hike. After we walked through Center (the middle of town), this guy came up to us and followed us - he picked up Josef once - it was a little scary. You can see him in our family picture.

 The picture above is us under the tree that we always take pictures at. The picture below is me doing a handstand just like last year - my new tradition. This year during the hike I never complained and was way better than last year. I was a happy camper. This year Daddy didn't make us hike 10 miles, he let us walk 5 miles instead.

This is the Duka near by that I go to buy suckers. We love to go there and Josef and I eat the suckers everyday. Yum!

When we got back from the hike, our friends were waiting for us. They had grilled maize. Daddy has always wanted to try some so he ate a bite of Evelyn's - that's gross. 

Josef has a new friend named Oscar. They climb trees together and play tennis and play - they are so cute. 

 -Ellie

Note from Christine - please pray for Pam and Ella as they travel here. They have had several changes to travel plans already and will have a long journey. Also, the hospital is out of water - pray for rain or for another solution - they currently are buying water at a very high price.