Kathy Davis
Missionary serving with The Master's Mission since 1979
After serving as a missionary in Kenya for over 45 years the Lord took Kathy's husband, Van, home to be with Him. Kathy is now in Pennsylvania active in their home church, Calvary Church, in Lancaster, PA. Kathy is pictured here with her grandchildren.
News from: Kathy Davis
2011 IN RETROSPECT
Dear Extended Family,
On December 9, 1966 we set sail out of New York Harbor on a cargo ship, the African Mercury for our first term of missionary service in Kenya, 45 years ago! Wow! How the years have flown. We arrived in Mombasa port six weeks later. Van’s grandparents arrived by ship on January 5, 1911 and Van and I along with Art and Ray and their wives took the train from Mombasa to Nairobi in January of this year to commemorate one hundred years of Davis missionary service in Kenya.
The end of January we returned to the states as Van was losing weight and had lost the ability to speak with his prostheses. He had a laryngectomy April last year due to the spread of cancer in his vocal cords. He now had a mass on the right side of his neck. I cared for him for the next four months as his body weakened. It was heart wrenching for me to see him in this condition. Family and friends came along side and helped whenever they could. He was always positive and never complained. He did have to write everything down at this time which must have been frustrating for him. He also had difficulty breathing and swallowing as time went on. Finally, Hospice of Lancaster County was called in and that gave me some relief with his care. He was in the care of hospice for 22 days. The last six days he was in inpatient care and had excellent care 24/7. Our three children were here off and on until he was called home on May 24, 2011 just eight days after his 71st birthday. We had a memorial service for him on June 3 at our home church, Calvary Church in Lancaster, Pa. There was a great outpouring of love and compassion during that time. I received many compliments on the service which was God honoring.
My sister was able to be with me for the first 3 ½ months and then I returned to Kenya to close up the house there in early October. I knew this would be a very difficult task and this certainly has been the hardest year of my life. Van and I were married just short of 49 years. I rejoice with him that he is now healed and free of pain but I still have a lump in my throat and an ache in my heart as he was my companion, best friend, lover, provider and protector and we looked forward to retirement together. How glad I am that God makes no mistakes.
With the help of family and friends there I was able to do everything I needed to do to clear out the house and sell the remaining car and Van’s tools. When consulting with a lawyer in Mombasa, he told me that the property needed to go to probate which could take 6-12 months. I also signed papers in order that I will not need to return when a buyer is finalized. There was an interested party just before I left. I have turned the property over to Malindi Homes and Properties and they are endeavoring to find a renter in the interim and also a firm buyer.
On October 13 we had a memorial service for Van in Malindi where we lived since 1977 so Van had made many friends there during those years. Many of our English speaking friends attended. It was held at the Driftwood Club where we were members since l978. It was a very special service and many were deeply touched. Van lived the life and it showed. I know he will be greatly missed by many there and here as well.
I came back to the USA on November 18 and spent time with Christy, John and the boys and we traveled to NC to have Thanksgiving with Ted, Debi and girls and another family from their church. It was very special but sad too for me. On November 28 I returned to Lititz after being away nearly two months. I will be spending Christmas with Christy, John and the boys in Virginia. May each of you have a Joyous Christmas and a healthy, peaceful New Year. Thank you to all who reached out in my time of sorrow and brought comfort and encouragement in so many ways. God bless you.
Joyfully in Him, Kathy Davis