Has it been a year since the last one?!

The party planner =)

Coming early (well, on time is early here) means you get to help with decorating!

Friends

Birthday Pictionary

I've officially celebrated my birthday for the second time in Kenya! I had a wonderful party with lots of good friends, food, cake, balloons and presents! My friend Ellen thought of everything to make a great party. I got a ton of facebook birthday wishes, some cards, many birthday prayers and a few birthday calls from several different countries, so it was really special day. I've had some pretty remarkable birthday celebrations and this one was no exception!

Skinny Cows

This weekend I saw these cows and said to my friends, "these cows are so skinny!" They replied, "these are the fat ones!" 

Dead animal carcasses are scattered throughout the land. Herders are heading out with their animals in search of grass, but many are returning home having lost all of their animals to starvation along the way. Some are choosing to sell their animals, usually worth around $250 a head, for a mere $13 before they die. When the rains come many more animals will die from hypothermia because they aren't fat or strong enough to withstand the cold rains. Animals are essential to the identity of the Maasai. For some, losing their animals means they don't have a reason to live either. It's a desperate time for many.

AfricaHope was able to mobilize some government relief food to about 6 communities by providing transport for the food to the communities. I had the opportunity to meet with several of the communities to announce that food was coming and to share a little bit of encouragement to them through Scripture. It's hard to know what to say to starving people, especially when I've never really wanted for food my entire life. We're praying that they Holy Spirit ministers to these people in ways we can't as they are suffering. We're also praying for rain and miracles. 

We've been hearing for a few weeks that big rains are coming soon, we're praying and believing what we've heard is true.  

Blogging

It's a cool morning, I can hear a light rain falling on my tin roof. I'm sitting out on my backporch, wrapped up in blankets, drinking coffee and listening to Christmas music! I'm excited because though it's moving into our summer season, it's reminding me of fall in Illinois and the approaching seasons that I love. I'm imagining that I'm preparing for a cold Christmas with those back in the US :) It's Kenyatta Day, a holiday, so I get to spend the day at home catching up on a few things. 

It's been awhile since I've posted on my blog. Sorry for those of you who have checked for an update and I've kept you waiting! I've enjoyed being the only American on our team here for the past few months, but man has it kept me busy! Between internet problems and trying to keep up with work and life here, my communication as been something that has suffered. I have so much to catch you up with! 

My adorable niece is getting so big!! Random, yes, but this post needs a picture and I need to be a proud aunt from afar! I get to hear cute stories about her and her little brother and if I don't call my sister during nap times I might get to hear a song or get an update from this little princess herself!