Kenya 2007 video

Here is the video I created to show to our church when we gave our report on the trip:

Moriah's trip journal published in the local paper

In the Tucson Citizen Family+ Magazine: Hugs for gifts at orphanage an even trade.

They also published several pictures that we took. They gave us quite a spread - the center pages of the magazine in the print version - just like the article they did before our trip. The article was also highlighted on the front page of both the magazine and the newspaper.

Yes, I am proud of my daughter! :)

Happy New Year!

While at the Nairobi Safari Walk a guide asked if we'd like o go into the cheetah enclosure. We gave him an enthusiastic, “Yes!” Our guide and another one in the enclosure grabbed our cameras and took a bunch of pictures of us petting the cheetah. She was purring just like a big cat - a cat that can reach speeds of up to 75 mph!

Once again I'd like to thank every one who supported us and prayed for us while we were over there. It was a blessing to know that you were praying for us. Please continue to pray for Kenya - things have not gotten any better. It's going to take a while for things to settle down and become whatever normal will be for them after this.

Very sad election news

Violence has erupted in Kenya as incumbent President Kibaki has been sworn in for another 5 year term amidst claims of fraud and rigging of the results. Kibera is burning and the country has effectively shut down, while opposition leader Raila Odinga plans his own ceremony to swear himself in as “the people’s President.” I am praying for the new friends that I made while I was there, that they will be safe, and that peace will return to that beautiful country soon.

Elections in Kenya

The presidential election in Kenya took place last night for those of us in the western hemisphere. Things seemed to be relatively peaceful in what will be the closest race since Kenya's independence from Britain in 1963. A peaceful election and transfer of power, should Raila Odinga win the election, will be a great answer to prayer. Peace seems to be a common sentiment, with this quote summing up what I hope is the majority feeling amongst Kenyans - a people I have grown to love:

“We are optimistic that with a Raila government, the economy will really grow, and that will change how everyone lives, But if he does not win, we will accept the results of our fellow Kenyans.”

Kennedy Mango, referring to presidential candidate Raila Odinga by his first name, as he is commonly known.

Amani ya Juu

While still in Nairobi, Kim sent me an email about an article she read in World Magazine. The story was about Amani ya Juu (higher peace in Swahili), a place that provides counseling, community and work for refugee women. The women are taught to sew, and their handcrafts are sold online and at their store and cafe in Nairobi. We called and found that it was just a few minutes from the DOOR training center, so we went and purchased many Christmas gifts there.


Moriah and some ladies at Amani:



The front of the store:



Courtyard and play area:



Moriah shops in the children's section of the store:

Back in Chicago

After a nightmare connection in London, we made it back to the states. At Heathrow Airport, if you stay in Terminal 4 you can take two carry-ons per person. Unfortunately our flight to Chicago left from Terminal 3. So we had to check two carry-ons (at no charge, the one piece of good news we heard in that airport).

Also, our new friend Jenna's flight was delayed, and even if everything had gone smoothly for us it is doubtful we would have been able to meet up with her. I am sure we will have another chance to meet sometime.

Everything has gone smoothly in Chicago. Our flight out is delayed abit, but that gave us some extra time to get through customs, and pick up our two carry-ons so we have them in our possession again (one had a video camera and my shotgun mic).

We'll be in the air on the way to Tucson soon. There is more to report and more pictures to post as well.

God is good - thank you all for your prayers!