Make a Joyful Noise

Well, it looks like we've finally turned the corner. As of last night, Scottie is now eating normally again. He had some of Janet's chicken chipatis & ugali chips with guacomole and salsa, (basically, soft tacos and chips) and fresh pineapple & bananas. He said it was the best meal he can remember eating in a long time. As of Monday, he even began Morning Reports and Rounds. He gave a lecture on Monday (on Necrotizing Enterocolitis), another one today (on Patent Ductus Arteriosus) and will give one on Friday (on Perinatal Asphyxia). He is basically back in the swing of things, except he has not been taking call. He's definitely moving slower, but feeling ever so blessed for all of the answered prayers. Please keep them coming for a complete recovery.

As mentioned earlier, Janet is with us again this year, as is Cecilia. Janet picked right back up where she left off, making Scottie meals that are gluten-free and smiling every step of the way. Since last year, she has had a baby; a boy, Emmanuel. He is adorable, and the kids and I have really enjoyed getting to know him.

Cecilia is helping with the household chores, freeing us to get involved in missions. Cecilia, like Janet, is so dear to us, and it has been a true joy to spend time with both of them again. It's hard to believe our time together is nearing and end. We thank God for bringing them into our lives, and once again, it will be hard to say, "good-bye."

Additionally, it has been a treat to reconnect with Peter Ronoh, the man who made such awesome swords for Hugh last year. He is still always sporting a huge smile and no shoes. When we first saw Peter this year, Hugh spotted him from about 50 yards away and ran with open arms into his, screaming (in Hugh style) "Peeeteeer!". Watching this bond of friendship reunite in such an unrehearsed, heart-warming way, is a memory I will never forget. Peter immediately turned to the man he was talking to and said, "This is my friend. Hugh, from America." Since then, naturally, Hugh has persuaded Peter to make him a "Rungu." Decorative as it is, it is still a weapon. Hugh is delighted.

In terms of getting involved in the hospital community, we're trying to immerse ourselves into the community as best we can this year, given our set of circumstances. The girls and I have gone to the NICU and rocked babies; We're planning a trip to the orphanage, and the kids went around the hospital today, performing a puppet show. Last year, they used church-borrowed puppets (brought over by the Hollands) and an ipod dock to do the show. This year, however, they had the missionary children in their art class make sock puppets, (by sewing on yarn and buttons), and they decided to sing for the music. Of course, they felt the need for "back up music," so they persuaded me to play the guitar. To introduce themselves to the patients, Janet and Cecilia helped us write down what the kids wanted to say to the patients (in Kipsigis), and the kids were going to try to recite it. As you can imagine, with our southern accents, it was quite comical. Needless to say, between the dancing socks, the button eyes getting stuck in some of the performers' hair, the in and out of the children's singing voices, the poor guitar playing and the communication gap, it was like Johnny Goodnight's. Cheering up the patients was not an issue! The "traveling minstrels" visited the Pediatric & Opthamology Wards, and did an "outdoor performance" by the courtyard as well. They had a great time and really brought some smiles to the faces of some very sick people.

Not much more today, but we'll post again soon.
All our love, Ave, Scottie, Wallace, Glenn, Hugh & Marcie

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord."
Psalm 100:1