Home #2

As our bodies adjust from 

to this

,

our minds and hearts also try to soak in the reality of such a different life.  

What a blessing to come back to such sweet, gracious friends, incredible teaching

 and yes, the comforts of American life.  

Coming from solar power (no heating elements), we found it rather revolutionary to use a dryer

and a toaster

and we could use them 

at

the

same

time.

The kids were really excited yesterday when they saw an incredible machine on the road while we were driving.

It was the street cleaner.

In Mwanza, they wear a blue apron and hard hat and use a real broom.

 I took Katie into Target the other day and she spotted the toy aisle, staring with wonder, 

"Mommy, I love America."

You can have two homes, you don't have to pick.

Those were the wise words a friend said to me before we left.  

So we enjoy the sweetness of this home, even while we miss the familiarity of the other one.

And we may have officially reached the point in our lives

where we cannot be any one place 

without aching for the other...

while learning to be content

"in all things."

For all of you who have asked us what's next, 

let me clear it all up for you:

we have no idea!

We know we have options, we know our heart is to be in Africa,

but we have no clear direction and have come to the conclusion that there are things we need to learn and ways we need to grow before God does make it clear to us.  

So it is a good season of waiting, resting, and finding our confidence in Him.

Isaiah 30:15&18

In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength...

...the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. 

For the LORD is a God of justice.  Blessed are all who wait for Him!

Psalm 138:8

The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me;

Your love, O LORD, endures forever--

do not abandon the works of your hands.

Goodbyes!

Our last several weeks have been full!  

what to do when the furniture is moved out?  Chalk all over the floors! :)

We managed to get all our things sorted and packed/stored/sold, much to our relief!  I suppose you don't know how much you have until you have to make a decision for every item.  We are so thankful for God's strength and wisdom as we finished out at Mavuno.  

Our regular Sunday after-church greetings and singing

Dinner with Musa, Lucy and two others

We had several farewell get-togethers and many, many goodbyes.  Leaving definitely made us realize how precious our friendships were and how thankful we are for the people God has put in our lives.  

Our monthly Bible study ladies--what a blessing they have been in my life!

We headed from the hot, isolated bush....

to London. 

getting a little rest before the Nairobi-London flight

 What a fabulous city, and 20 million people in one location was obviously a big difference for us.  Along with some amazing historical sites (well, most of London is historical by American standards!), we were also able to get together with friends from Africa and even highschool.  What a blessing!  

Hitesh and Lucy Mistry, former Mavuno volunteers and good friends!

Beth Ann--we have been friends since we were tiny!

Mike and Marie and family, who we know from Africa

The kids were most impressed by the Tower of London, St. Paul's cathedral, the castle we visited, and all the clean, shiny bathrooms everywhere we went.  And hearing, "Wow! this place smells GOOD!" about the bathroom made us realize again how different everything was for them.

Sitting at the boarding gate in London at the moment, I can't help but reflect on how great God has been to us, how He has provided for us every single day and how He continues to bless us.  

We are looking forward to seeing many of you soon!