Busy, busy, busy

Well, I haven't been very good at blogging... honestly we've been too busy! We moved into our new house at the beginning of October (yeah!). We started discipling right away, and we are involved with ministry every day of the week, with the exception of Sundays. Even then, Bill is helping run the sound and I am helping teach Sunday School occationally at the English speaking church we attend here. We also go to Moshono Christian Church several times a month just to encourage them there.
So, ministry has really taken off here.

Also, we started homeschooling, which is what takes up the majority of my time each day. We start at 8:30am, and finish around 1 or 1:30pm. It takes me around an hour or two each afternoon to prepare the next's days' lesson as well. I haven't hired a nanny yet, and probably won't after all. I hold Jonathan while I teach, or put him in the Pack 'n' Play. I alternate teaching Katrina and Heather, and the other one works alone while I teach the other.
It's been a learning process, but we seem to be getting the hang of it. Heather asks each day, "Is there anything else for me to do?!" She finishes way before Katrina and feels left out!! This girl is asking for more homework. Hmmm... On the other hand, Katrina has mentioned that she wishes she was still in preschool so she didn't have to much work to do! :-]

Jonathan is now 7 months old and is crawling, so we are keeping busy watching him! He is such a happy and content baby

Bill's parents are coming in 39 days (Dec 7th) for a visit. They are coming to help out while I go back to the States with Jonathan. I'm trying to avoid thinking about the trip, because I don't want to leave my family and travel alone!
I'll try to be better about writing...

Romeo, Romeo...

We have a new kitten! His name is Romeo, and he's about 8 weeks old. He's so cute, and the kids love playing with him. Even Jonthan loves to watch him play.

Strange Musings....

Lately, we've been so blessed as a family. Almost ridiculously so. While back in the States for the birth of our son, we were allowed to stay rent-free in a house, and borrow a car for free. When we had to give the car back, we were given another car.
We are blessed to have the support of churches and individuals who give so generously for us to be here-- we have a good vehicle to drive, wonderful friends here and in the US, three great kids... God has been so good to us.
So, it makes me wonder. What about those that God isn't blessing? Our friends who struggle financially, while we aren't. Family members dealing with serious illnesses or divorce, while we are healthy and happily married.
Why is it that God chooses to bless some (us at the moment), and not others, so it seems? Why are some Christians struggling with such hard things, and others aren't?
I realize that I am a bit odd to be thinking of this instead of just being glad of all the blessings. Trust me, I am very thankful of the blessings. We have also struggled with some very hard times: struggling with making ends meet, difficulties during my pregnancy and Jonathan's foot.
I am just rambling a bit, I guess. And feeling a tiny bit guilty that we are having an easy time of it right now while those we love aren't.
I must remember the verse Philippians 4:12-13:

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

We have found a house!

We have signed a contract on a town house today. We will be moving in next Monday. It is a town house in an apartment complex, so lots of places for the kids to ride bikes. There are three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and even a fenced in yard. We have friends who live in the same complex who also have two daughters, which is so nice.
Unfortunately, I did not take my camera with me today so no pictures. I'll post some when we start moving in.
I am just relieved that this long week of house hunting is finally OVER!

First Week in Arusha

We arrived in Arusha late Sunday night, after a 6 hour long bus ride from Nairobi. We stayed with a friend, Charnelle and didn't get there until around 11pm. We stayed with her until today (Thursday), and now we have gone to stay at some other friends' house- Mike and Lyndell Rothery. We are very grateful for good friends to house us while we are house hunting.

The house we were in when we left is no longer available, so we are searching for another place to live. We have so far looked at 6 houses, and have had many leads. We are praying for the Lord's leading, however. Every house so far has required 3 months rent up front, and the last one even wanted 1 year's rent up front. That is not what we have been used to, we have always paid monthly.

We have been able to meet with Prosper and discuss the news of the church. Bill is meeting with Prosper and another church leader tomorrow about some issues that church is facing right now.

We look forward to seeing more of our friends again, and getting back into the swing of things... and most of all, to move into our own house!

a We enjoyed catching up with Prosper over dinner tonight.

We have arrived!

We have arrived safe in Niarobi, and all of our luggage came with us! The flights went by quickly and we are all enjoying our first day here!
More later...

Last week Aug 2009, by Leah DeLaughter

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