Photos

Hugh & Todd, hangin' out.

Marcie with "Cuddlers," Wallace & Glenn.

They loved this!

The "traveling minstrels..."

Missionary kids with their sock puppets, singing to sick children.

Peter and Hugh, reunited.

Glenn & Marcie, chillin'.

Janet & Hugh pose for a photo.

Cecilia & Wallace, on their way to the "Dukas" (store) to exchange bottles for more sodas.

This is the view from our bedroom window...tea fields.

It's much nicer than the view of the slaughter house last year:)

Independence Day

We are so thankful for freedom and independence! Personally, for Scottie's recovery and ability to once again do everything on his own; publicly, for our ability as a people to live in a democracy in a land of plenty.

On Saturday morning, we plan to visit the Mosop Orphanage, which is a different one than last year's, Umoja. The Mosop Orphanage is about 30 minutes away, as opposed to just a few minutes, but it will be nice to get a flavor for something a little different. The kids have brought lots of goodies, including "Silly Bands," and they are very excited to play with the children. We're also hoping to hike down to the hydroelectric dam, on the Nangores River, on Saturday afternoon.

On Sunday, for the For the Fourth of July, we are planning to join in the celebration at the Kipange, (an open-air gathering place, kind of like a big carport with vaulted ceiling) . Two basketball goals are set up there, and it's a fun place to burn off energy. Last year, we missed the festivities, as we were on safari. Apparently, there will be a cookout with games and water balloons. Also on Sunday, I will yet again, attempt to play in the Praise Band here. Last week, I figured out that when I stand next to someone who's really good, they are able to drown me out :) Russ White usually leads, (though I believe they take turns). Yes, he is a man of many talents!

On Monday, July 5th, we're beginning our trek home. John or Gerald will take us back to Nairobi, where we hope to visit the Giraffe Center along the way. We'll stay at the Mennonite Guest House that evening and leave very early on Tuesday morning for the airport. We're still planning on going home via an extended stay in London, (We looked into rescheduling our flights, but due to World Cup Soccer, Wimbledon and our last minute changing of plans, the tickets were astronomical!). We plan on meeting Mom over there, so please pray for her safe travels as well. We will part ways with Marcie in Amsterdam, as she will continue on to Atlanta to meet her husband, Bruce. Please pray for all of us in our many travels.

We hope that you all have a safe and relaxing weekend, and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, too. Thank you again, for all of the uplifting words of encouragement. We love and miss you all! Ave, Scottie, Wallace, Glenn, Hugh and Marcie

"Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God."
1 Peter, 2:16

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

Hakuna Matata (Kiswahili for No Worries)

From the looks of this photo, it is clear that Scottie is either on the mend or highly drugged. I note this based on the pink "Snuggie" and equally pink blanket he is confidently sporting.

It is Friday, four days post-op., and he is eating rice and peanut butter crackers, (gluten free, of course!) . We'll continue to pray a speedy recovery and a hearty appetite. He has nearly 15 pounds to put back on, so it will be a challenge. Tomorrow is our anniversary. Most folks around here have gone on safari for the weekend, including Marcie. (We decided to cancel ours this year for fear of being too far from Tenwek and having the stitches accidently come undone with the jostling of the jeep. Additionally, I am still not jazzed up about safari this year, given my experience with last year's food poisoning escapade.) We'll be "chillin" this weekend. Love to all, Ave & co.

Ndovu (Elephant in Kiswahili)

Ndovu is the name of our apartment. The "elephant in the room" is Scottie. He came back late this morning, shuffling as he walked and without the IV! He's had chicken broth and clear liquids and is slowly on the mend. Please continue the recovery prayers.

The girls taught another art class today, and their "theme" was the story of Noah and the Ark. They had nine children today, and from the few minutes I stepped in to observe, it looked like they had it under control. Even Hugh had a great time. They read the scripture, helped the kids paint pictures and finished up with face painting. They're really enjoying their "ministry."

Tonight, we're planning to watch the US play Algeria in World Cup Soccer and take it easy. Scottie should get stronger each day, and I know Marcie is ready to get back to the NICU here. Personally, I'm looking forward to not sleeping on a gurney tonight. Until next time, all our love, Ave & co.

Wolu Jehova Sautikyok (Kipsigis for God is Answering Our Prayers)

It is evident that God is answering all of our prayers. It is also clear that it's on His time. Last night, I slept on a gurney next to Scottie in the hospital, as once again, Marcie held down the fort. Scottie had a minor delay in responding to weaning himself from medical treatments, but as of this morning is on the mend. It was a long and restless night, but today he is slowly walking down the halls (with his IV drip), coming off the morphine and becoming more independent again. He made me laugh when he said he was tired of all the "redundant hospital gown!" (a play on "redundant tissue," referring to the surgery). Our prayer is that he can possibly sleep at the apartment tomorrow, if he can get off the narcotics and be a bit more mobile. Please continue to pray for a speedy, healthy recovery.

As for the kids, they are doing quite well. Last night, after a game of flashlight tag with the other kids, they played cards with Marcie and went to bed late. Naturally, that was the "adult plan," to get them to sleep in this morning. Mission accomplished. It is now 10:30 am here, and as they continue to sleep, we will try to rest and re-coop a bit from last night. It's kind of like camp, minus the hospitalization. Wallace said, "It's like Dad's in the infirmary."

In the Guest House before Scottie's surgery, a bunch of us (including Scottie) played Taboo and The Settlers of Catan (a new but fun one for us), and have watched several games of World Cup Soccer. At one point on Sunday, I thought I was alone, so I started playing "at" my guitar. I was in the middle of Amazing Grace when I looked up and noticed 6 nationals along the fence listening in! I was totally embarrassed, but I figured they wouldn't know how bad I really was :) Before I knew it, others sat beside me and sang along to Prince of Peace and Lord I Lift Your Name on High. Talk about stepping out of the box! God is definitely working over here, because I really do not play well.

Additionally, while I was with Scottie yesterday, Wallace organized an art class for some of the missionary kids. She had 10 kids in her "class" and they made Salvation Bracelets. Apparently, Glenn was her "assistant," and they are planning to teach another one on Wednesday. For the girls, it's not the same without Emma, Claire and Courtney, but they are finding new friends in the Bemms and having the Whites and Crognalies here again has also been a blessing. This year, Glenn continues hunting for camelions and climbing trees in search of avacados and bananas. Meanwhile, Hugh misses the Roberts boys and Levi and Jeremiah Galat, but has again sought out Peter to carve swords for him. He has also found a buddy named Todd. The problem is that Todd is 23 years old and may not need a "Dennis the Menace" following him around everywhere, especially as he tries to get work done. However, Todd has been a lifesaver. He's here for a year (been here 6 months already) and is a Yale graduate in Engineering from CA, overseeing the Intern Housing Building Project here. It's inspiring to see so many young people dedicating themselves to Christ's work.

Not too much more, except to say how thankful we are for all of the thoughts and prayers. In spite of everything that's happening surgically, we are having a good time. Scottie sends his best to everyone and hopes to add his thoughts to the blog soon. Until next time. Ave

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

Otestai Osaa (Kipsigis for Continue Prayers)

A quick update and sigh of relief... It's 3:30 pm here (8:30 am EST) and about 2 hours ago, Scottie moved from Post Op. to the step down observation, where I believe he will stay for a few days. He woke up and the first thing he said was, "Praise Jesus." He's slowly coming back around, and we are asking for continued prayers for recovery. He's in the Ortho. wing in the only private room. The kids and Marcie are doing well, and we will update later. Love and thanks to all, Avery