As we were returning to Lokichoggio last Friday, we had heard about the drought conditions that have plagued northern Kenya for the past eight months. Our hearts sank and our jaws dropped as we drove into our compound. So barren and desolate compared to the lush green (well, desert green, not tropical green, but lush to us) we left behind in September…

I thought about our perspective as Westerners, “We will rebuild”.  To those who are losing livestock and lives, hope is not so easy to come by.

********************************************************

Ah, but to be home at last. Our house has held a few sojourners in our absence which helped keep the house operational and bugs down; but we always say that these houses have “personalities that only an owner can love” that take a little getting to know. Like how to fix the low water pressure in the shower from the steady buildup of minerals in the water tank and lines…

to figuring out why the solar system is not fully charging…

Joel is a man of many talents, and not one of them is wasted maintaining life in rural Kenya.  Pilot, Mechanic, Base Manager, Plumber, Electrician … pretty much everything.

****************************************************************

The kids got back into the swing of home-school minus distractions…

and continuing the skills they learned in their season of basketball. Thank you, Hillside Academy coaches, for instilling a love of this sport in these young hearts…

The defense is quite a bit shorter than the opposing teams of few months ago, and these quickly lost interest in the game…

                   *******************************************************************

Eunice continues to bless us with keeping our home clean amidst the dust and bugs…

and making our favorite special treat – roasted ground nuts (peanuts) which are, hands down, the best we’ve ever had.

*********************************************************************

At the end of the day, we have a choice of what we focus on. This flowering bush, framing the gate to our backyard, (the rest of the vegetation was eaten by the goats) not only survives, but provides needed beauty to a dry and thirsty land.

Lord, I pray that I may do the same.

It will no longer be said to you, “Forsaken,” Nor to your land will it any longer be said, “Desolate”; But you will be called, “My delight is in her,” And your land, “Married”; For the LORD delights in you, And to Him your land will be married.

~Isaiah 62:4 (NASB)