celebrate His birth

Merry Christmas

A scene in Africa

Words from America

With a Message for the World

fun for the little ones

 Ron loves making things.

He is happiest when he has a project.

Wendy wanted some seating just for the kids.

So Ron got to work, and here is what  he made.

Now the kids have picnic tables to match the big ones.

Here they are, full of giggles at anything new.

We always learn gratefulness for the little things,

from these special sweet kids.

a different view

Here is Africa.

A satellite snapshot.

Oh the beauty of God's creation.

herons

 Herons are by far my favorite bird here in Africa.

They are quiet and graceful, with beautiful long necks, 

looking thoughtful and patient, elegant in flight. 

Usually they are found along the Indian Ocean shores. 

Surprise!

One day we had this in our yard.

A Blue Heron.

Appearing to quietly check us out.

In a moment he was gone.

Reminder- don't miss the little cool stuff

God has for us each day.

Ron at work -

Here Ron is out in the bush near Mairowa.

They are looking at plans and material lists for

completing this church building.

Loserian is one of our national staff

working with Ron in construction & development

for the school and out in the bush with our church planters.

This will be the first village project that Loserian

is fully in charge of overseeing.

Here he is actually telling Ron what the plan is!

We are certainly blessed with wonderful, 

talented, hard working staff.  

 Ron is measuring for windows and doors 

with the help of Joseph,

another of our staff, who lives in the area.  

He is a CHE trainer and pastor's a church 

and works with the Widow & Orphans CHE project.

He loves to be involved with the construction work,

but he surely has enough to keep him busy.

We are fast approaching our goal to teach the national staff

to run the school themselves, lead the development work 

out in the bush, and carry on this work 

long into the future!

meet the families

 Edward & Rehema with Estha 6, Elizabeth 5, Yemima 3, and Stephano 6 mo.

Tribe: Nyaturu

 Daudi & Paulina with Lightness 6, and Life 2.

Tribe: Barabiq

 Elirehema & Grace with Samuel 5 (they have 6 older kids at home).

Tribe: Nyaturu.

He is the class leader or Mkuu

 Paulo & Maria with Neema 4, and Nembiris 3.

Tribe: Maasai

 Shedrack & Majengo with Dorkas 4, Elizabeth 3, Mechack 2.

Tribe: Barabiq

 Mika & Mariamu with Senipa 5, and Neserian 1.

Tribe: Maasai

Marseli & Elizabeth with Boazi 2, and Yakini 3 weeks.

Tribe: Iraq and Mpare

Please pray for these wonderful people, 

now learning to walk into their destiny, 

to be missionaries in their own country, 

to share Jesus with those who have never heard.

10 years of CHE

Community Health Education

We had the honor to attend a celebration

by these wonderful ladies.

Each of these groups of women gather to learn

 and then share with others to transform their villages.

They believe God has a plan for their lives,

to live lives of service.

For 10 years they have been meeting together,

to help and encourage their neighbors.

They teach healthy living, 

they send orphans to school 

from the proceeds of small business efforts,

they help the sick and feed the hungry,

they make their communities better.

Praying for another 10 years of Blessings on these Ladies!

Some images of the wonderful day! 

 Maasai Choir

 CHE leadership

 Proclaiming the history

 One of the CHE groups

Sharing the day with laughter and gifts!

a day in the park

HORNBILL

 GIRAFFE & BUFFALO

 DIK DIK

 COLOBUS MONKEY

FIG TREE wrapped around 2 OLIVE TREES!

building completed

We arrived back to this sight!

The technical building is officially done.

This facility is a great addition to the training center.

With 2 extra classrooms/or dorm rooms, 

we add capacity.

And with a new office shared by Ron & Loserian, 

we add efficiency.

Also with a vehicle area including pit 

for repairs and maintenance, 

we add dependability.

Thank you to all of our donors that made this possible.

We gratefully continue to improve this land,

God's land set aside to change lives. 

sunflowers welcome us back

 We love these beautiful plants.

Here they harvest the seeds for oil.

On this day we stopped to just enjoy.

It is almost like they are smiling at us,

saying Hello and Welcome Back!

We arrived back in Tanzania July 31st.

The return trip was long yet a peaceful journey.

Our first week back sleep was elusive.

But even tired these flowers put a smile on our face.

These friends are along our path to town.

So we have been greeted many times since we landed.

To pick up our lost luggage, resupply the kitchen, connect with friends,

and even some golf & Zanzibar Chi Latte as we get into the swing of Africa again.

family

 We cherish times with our family as we head back to Africa.

Our son Joe; a good man, drummer & engineer, funny & caring guy.

 Golf with the guys; Ron & son Todd & grand son Brady.

Family, one of the best parts of life.

 Nicole; adventurous, planner, dialysis tech to nurse, loving daughter & friend.

Best days are hanging with the kids!

 Together we enjoy all that God blesses us with.

Joe, me, Nicole, Paul at Red Rocks!

San Antonio, Sea World, awesome time together.

Carolyn, Todd, and Brady ready to feed the dolphins.

My cup over flows.

Memories will hold us till next time!

colorado

 Loving our time here in the Colorado Mountains.

Such a terrific reminder of God's awesome creation.

Hanging Lake near Glenwood Springs.

Never get tired of the beauty of this place.

Colors and majesty all around.

Part of our wonderful week near St Mary's Glacier.

10 things

10 things I am missing and 10 things I am loving right now:

MISSING-

1. early morning sounds of the birds
2. fresh fresh fruit
3. our dog wingu
4. the people walking along the roads
5. zanzibar chai
6. mt meru
7. my kitchen
8. african kids
9. sun up at 7am and down at 7pm
10. smiles from our students

LOVING-

1. smooth roads
2. live music
3. dark chocolate
4. time with my kids
5. a clothes dryer
6. google maps
7. music on the radio in the car
8. sunflower market
9. time with my friends
10. walking trails

being here, being there, full of contrasts, finding joy in both!

relaxing

 Ah, the smell of ribs on the grill,

the feel of warm sunshine,

the laughter as we play corn hole,

the taste of fresh berries.

Food and fun on this day off.

 And I am lov'n my son-in-law doing the cook'n.

He is a master at meat on the grill, yes!

 Me sitt'n on the sofa watching the Rockies WIN!

Relaxing while the boys are in the kitchen :-)

Later I will gladly do the clean up.

Oh my gosh these Snake Bites are HOT!

I so wanted to enjoy the cream cheese and bacon, 

but the peppers are too much for me,

yikes my mouth is on fire!

RED ROCKS!!

 Oh my the beauty!

 Do I have enough warm clothes on?

 Feeling the excitement!

 The stage getting ready!

 Guys from The Fray just hanging out.

 From our seats.

 Joe's tools of his trade.

 Proud Parents!

 Ok this is the coolest thing ever!

 My son the rock star!

 Love my KIDS!

 Yes they are really playing here.

 On the big screen.

 Ok now it is raining.

 Love the new music, The Fray!

Night lights at this special place.

Believing this is not the last time we will be hanging out 

with CHURCHILL at RED ROCKS!