Friends and family,
Most of you know that we had 2 good flights, and only small hitch with our 1 piece of baggage - our new water pump. Our old one would take about 30 minutes to get started with both Tim and Mike working on it, so with Mike not around, we decided to bring a new one with us. It flew from SC to TX where British Airways decided they don't fly anything with gas engines even if it was brand new in the box. Tim fortunately was able to contact Travis one of our missionaries on furlough in NC, and he was able to coordinate having the pump UPS'd to the mission from Texas. We figured we would have to wait for our crates to come in about 6 months and would make the best of it till then.
We met up with a young lady in TX who would be staying with the Woodworths, a family serving with us in Kenya. We traveled together and we were able to help with her luggage and get us both through customs without any trouble. We arrived in Nairobi in the evening and were taken to the base by the Heidorns and Woodworths. We decided to head to bed at around 12:30 at night and it felt good to be prone after trying to sleep on the plane. We woke up about 6:30 and I realized there was something wrong with my eyes. I told Tim, "I can't open my eyes" and he said, "I know, I can't either I'm so tired." Now a little more insistent I said, "No, I'm serious, my eyes are swollen and I can't open the right one!" The mirror confirmed my worst fears, even without my glasses on, my tear ducts and eyelids were very swollen and puffy. Welcome to Kenya! Now, I had not been crying for all you loved ones at home though I do miss you and except for one small moment of missing Mike on the plane, I truly hadn't shed a tear. Of course, these things pass and 2 days later when we left for Loiy with the Heidorns and Woodworths, I was almost back to normal. While we were shopping in Nairobi we found another water pump for close to the same price and decided to buy it and try to return the other one back. Travis is probably wishing he had never become involved but getting the pump from NC to SC should be easier than from Texas.
We tried a new route where most of the first day is paved, it takes about 10 hours, because at the end of the trip you have to pass through a desert of dust. There are numerous rabbit trails, and deep ruts of sand and dust, - how quickly it makes you forget that nice pavement. We spent the night at another mission station and then had a 7 hour trip in the next day. Paul and Callie Teasdale met us at a junction so that the other 2 families could travel up to Gatab, the mountain behind us and we could head on to Loiy. Paul and Callie have done a great job and we've enjoyed time with them and little Annabelle.
The house of course was "cleaned" for us but coming from the states it always seems dusty and dirty. I kept looking at walls, cupboards, and things saying "how could I have left this so dirty?" I guess it's a good thing I got stronger reading glasses as I can definitely see the dirt now. We've been slowing unpacking and sorting through things, giving them away before we have that strong urge to hang on to them for another 2 years.
I tucked Luke's Air Force picture, and one of Mike in our footlockers so I could share them with everyone. I was touched by the ladies reaction to Michael's picture. They ask when he will come, and some even thought we would bring him back with us after his first semester. Don't we all wish school was only a semester long. Mike is having a much better start in school this semester. Thank you for praying for him as he continues to adjust to life there at home and pray he would continue to be a godly example for others.
We have heard from Luke and it seems he is continuing in the 11 week
indoc program. About half his group is gone from the 150 that started. He was quite disappointed before we left, as he had stepped in a hole while running with his ruck and twisted his knee. He and Sherie would appreciate your prayers.
It has been absolutely wonderful to see all our friends, we (the ladies) greet each other with warm embraces instead of the traditional hand shakes and begin to catch up on the news. I was not here when one of our sisters in Christ, Sonya passed away, they let me know of other acquaintances that have passed and 2 births, so we share our sorrows and joys. Raphael and some of the other youth stopped by on the weekend and are ready to begin studies again with Tim. I met with the ladies this week and we will start into full swing with adult literacy and bible studies next week. Tim asked Nicholas to preach this week so that he could hear him and then will begin preaching next week.
It has been good to get back. We're exhausted and hot, but excited about what the Lord will do this year.
We love you all and thank for your prayers and love for us, The Hinds