They left Kenya and returned to Adelaide, South Australia in 2000, and Mike became of Head of Tyndale Christian School where he has been ever since. BUT Kenya was not out of mind, and in 2002 Mike brought a party of students and staff to get acquainted with Kenya and with US. They have been coming ever since in '04, '06, '08, '09, '10, '11, '12, and now this July with a new party of 38! Amazing interest, and support from every visit, and always a great demonstration of hard work, good will, and friendship. A Blessing for all of US, from the smallest to the eldest (guess that's me). And the dedication and commitment all underscored by the huge effort made to actually get here. Each student has to earn their own air-fare and cost of their keep by having out of school jobs for at least a year before they can afford to come. They EARN their own finance AND manage to have something to GIVE and leave behind for us. This began mainly with Testimony in mind, but over the years Tyndale School, its staff and students have also expanded their interest, love and practical help to NEW LIFE HOMES in Nairobi and also NEEMA Children's Homes run by Miriam and Joshua Mbithi here nearby in Eldoret.
THIS time round their main project for US has been the building of a new Milking Shed for our four cows.In 2011 we had started a small Dairy, on Testimony House compound, but due to the creation of the Swimming Pool, it had to be moved to the Jacaranda Cottage Compound, just opposite Tyndale Cottage.
It was quite an undertaking to build this structure and the team really THREW themselves into it. Some were also doing some interior re-decoration in one or two of the Homes, and other needy jobs.
They were also able to attend the Official Opening of the new School Swimming Pool. Mike gave a short keynote address, and the function was attended by a good number of parents, we all enjoying various items and demonstrations put on by students from Primary to High School in the pool. This happened about 11am on the 11th July.
TOMORROW we shall be having a Baptismal Sunday Service, and four or five are to be baptised in water, two among them being members of the Tyndale Team. Wonderful.
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THE WEATHER, has not been too sunny, but not too bad, and the rain has mainly been at night. Not SO cold either. Thank you Lord. The Homes are now FULL with a population of 140. A few may be leaving still, by the end of the year having completed College, and expecting to find employment. The latter is a growing problem as no new job opportunities are being created and more and more are joining the prospective employment force - mainly to end up unemployed.
At the end of June/ beginning of July we were going through one of those 'Storms on the Lake' situations. We had Jesus securely with us of course.......but there were moments when we had that 'sinking' feeling quite strong upon us. What JOY then when suddenly all was made to be calm again by the supply of most of our long awaited needs - Thank you to all who have so wonderfully responded to the prompting of Father's Holy Spirit just in time to not only LIFT us UP, but to once more remind us of where our help comes from.
In 2011 we had felt to do without individual COOKS in each of the four Homes. Initially we decided to just have ONE central Kitchen and then distribute the food to the Homes. This was part of an initiative on our part to reduce running costs by diminishing staff. THEN later we decided to let the House Mothers in each house be the COOK in their own homes, and thus restore to each home that homely family joy of aroma and and fellowship in the kitchen. It has worked, but on the other hand we found that for some it was too heavy a duty to cook AND clean for an average of 36 kids. SO from next month we will return to our original position and each Home will have its own cook for five days of the week, and then at week-ends Mum and some of the senior children will help cook.
I have been having problems with my computer over the last month, and last week I was prevented from putting up a Blog as I usually do.. ALSO I have been trying to commence a Prayer Sheet that I can send out by E-mail and ordinary post bi-monthly. My first attempt was a disaster, but it seems that the second one was successful so I hope to be able to make it a regular posting. I must also apologise for being rather behind in acknowledging gifts received via AENON Trust. Hope I shall be up to date by the end of the coming week. HOWEVER a number of e-mail letters are being returned and so I would kindly as you to make sure we do have your LATEST mail address.
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NEXT WEEK I will endeavour to put up some photos of the new cow shed and the Opening of the Pool.
Tyndale Team will be leaving us on Thursday after a two week stay. And I will include a photo of them all here, taken on the steps of the School Hall. We have enjoyed their fellowship, and have appreciated their hard work AND their outgoing friendliness to all the children. Parting IS such sweet sorrow - but they will be back next year, though most of them will never have been before.
I am sitting at my desk looking once more out across the lawn towards Testimony House. The afternoon has proved a little dank and cold -everywhere seeming to have a rather 'grey' look. The BIG Mahogany Tree is shedding its leaves, and one or two flutter down onto the grass, already littered with dozens of such leaves, golden and crinkled - somehow the scene and the atmosphere has made me remember a few lines from the poem by John Keats - 'La Belle Dame Sans Merci'
'The sedge has withered from the lake,
and no birds sing.'
Well, of course, we have no lake and no sedge, but the 'feel' somehow conjures up the scene, and the BIRDS are strangely silent as well.
God Bless you all, and keep you close to HIM through the coming week
John and Esther & Daryl and Carol
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