18 February, 2009
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
I am sorry that it has been so long since I wrote. Just when I don’t think I can fit in another project - watch out….here comes something else! But that is probably the only way I stay out of trouble, right?
At the beginning of this month, Keith took a quick trip to the Rwandan border to pick up our Pastor’s son-in-law. Bro. Eric Damron had been assisting Bro. Gene Sharp install a radio station for a missionary there, when he broke out with an allergic reaction. He wasn’t able to get medical help where he was, so Keith brought him out of Rwanda and was able to take him to an American doctor in Mbarara and get treated. Then we took him to Kampala to fly out with Bro. Sharp who had flown in from Rwanda.
As they flew back to the States, Bro. Tom Tracht and his daughter flew into Uganda. The Tracht Family will be assisting Dad in building an orphanage in Mbarara. A week was spent in getting the basics of their house ready in preparation for the whole family’s arrival in March or April. When Bro. Tom returned to the States, Rebekah was welcomed into our family as our “7th child.” She is working at our Christian school and orphanage each day and is having a great time. Shae-Lynn especially enjoys having an “older sister” while the boys are enjoying having someone else to pick on.
The Christian school has started back up, Sunday night services have begun, and the college classes have started. Keith is really keeping busy, and we thank God for the strength, energy, and wisdom in handling everything. Please continue to pray for his leg pain from his sciatic nerve.
Our rainy weeks are over, and we are now enjoying the beautiful Masaka weather again - beautiful skies with a slight breeze. We have occasional rain showers, but they don’t last long. I am especially grateful to be able to send the kids outside to play and to be able to open up all of the doors. Keith built me a beautiful picnic table for Christmas, so each day we eat our lunch outside.
Singing is one of Savannah’s new enjoyments. She also likes to load her arms full of stuff and try to carry it all around. Of course, she doesn’t get far as she is forever having to stop and pick things up.
Skyler is currently focused on our dashchund who is expecting again. He is worried that she needs a new bed and continually follows her around. He keeps us in chuckles over the funny things he comes up with. While I was cutting his fried egg, he said, “Don’t let the ink come out!” While we were driving past the golf course in Kampala, he looked at the trees and said, “Mom, we shouldn’t go there. There are monkies hiding in the trees. They are in there hiding from us.” Spoken like a true African missionary kid.
Shae-Lynn’s birthday was while we were in Kampala, but she didn’t mind having the celebration delayed three days. She had requested a butterfly birthday and talked about how much she wished for a birthday dress. I had some bright pink material with butterflies on it that I made her a dress out of and let her open that present first thing in the morning so she could wear it all day. It is hard to believe she is nine years old!
Everyone is doing well in school. Shane consistently works ahead and then enjoys a day or two off. Last year Stanley did this, so I think Shane saw the benefits and decided to try it. Next week is our government required NGO meeting where all of the missionaries with our board must meet together. It becomes a missionary reunion and a big play time for the 40+ kids. Our four oldest are really looking forward to seeing all of their MK friends, but I know the two youngest will have a hard time adjusting to being in “nursery/class” away from mommy. Since most MKs are with their parents all of the time, being put in a nursery is a very tramatic time.
It is nearing time for us to get ready for Wednesday night church, but before I close I would like to ask you to pray for our fellow missionaries Tony & Kristy Applegate. An ultrasound showed that their baby has a degenerative genetic disease, and the doctor is 99% sure it is Trisomy 18. Frequently these babies die before birth, and those that are delivered do not survive more than 2 weeks. Please pray for them as they make some important decisions in the coming weeks.
Thank you for your prayers for us. Have a great day!