June

I think blog world time travels much faster than real world time. Or maybe my life just travels faster than my blog writing. Either way, it has been a busy few weeks with lots going on so I will fill you in.
      Jon-Marc (Taylor's younger brother) came to visit us here in Lodwar! Our first family member to visit. And in reality only our second visitor to come see us since we have lived here. Jon-Marc was instantly promoted to favorite brother-in-law status. (Just joking all you other brothers...kinda). He was so great and we all enjoyed our time with him. It is difficult to describe what his visit did for our hearts and spirits.
     Taylor has been suffering from kidney infections and stones. Poor guy. We think it is just the result of the harsh climate here. We were thankful he happened to be in Nairobi for a few days and was able to see a doctor and come home with a bag of medicines. Now I just follow him around with ice water. On another health note we are all five currently being treated for malaria. Tricky business this malaria, it has many faces that come and go in a cycle. I always imagine us healthy, but maybe we are not!
    We said good-bye to Amy yesterday. She has been living with us for the last 8 weeks. She is the finance of a new Pioneers missionary that has just moved to Lodwar. They are both from England and she was so fun to have here at our house. Yes, we have all picked up "bits and bobs" of her cute english accent. Now my girls ask where the "loo" (bathroom) and the "rubbish" (trash) is and call each other "cheeky" when someone has been a bit mischievous. She will return to Lodwar after their wedding in November. Her sweet company was a blessing to all of us.We look forward to their return! (this paragraph was actually all written in my new "proper English" accent.)
   And as you will notice in the pictures, we are plus one girl. Akai (Florence) came to live with us about 2 months ago. She is about 12 years old. Her troubling situation came to our attention via a Share staff member. She is living in one of our free standing guest rooms and attends a private school next to our house. We consider ourselves foster parents. But we will love on her and meet her basic needs as long as she is in our lives. She is so gentle and respectful. She has had an extremely tough past few years. We are hoping for her education to continue (she is a few years behind) and be able to have a bit of a childhood.
     SEND Center progress has been going fast and so great! Taylor and his crew have been doing so much work.Currently four structures are underway:  1 conference center, 2 cottages and 1 freestanding restroom. The slabs, footings and columns have been poured. At night of course, as it is too hot for the concrete to cure properly in the heat of the day. Also rough plumbing has been done on the buildings. Walls will be started soon. The progress is so encouraging to see. Taylor has done a wonderful job. Please few the pictures of this amazing work under the "SEND Center" tab of this blog.
    Another great thing is that we will not be homeless in July! Share Int. is in the process of purchasing the house we live in. A balance of about $35,000 was owed and that money has been raised! How awesome is that??? We are grateful for God's provision and all those who gave.

Jon Marc has made it to the middle of the desert! 

Hello Lucy.

Hello Lainey.

Hello Andi.

Coolin' off in the pool with new floats from Hunny and Pops.

There we are. 

Uncle time.

What? Don't your kids climb the coconut trees in your yard when they want a snack?

cheese!

Jon Marc with all the gals. Akai

Our newest addition. Delilah.

A trip out to the lake to visit friends. This is remote folks!

At the island for church and visiting. 

Headed to the airport. Gone so soon?

homeschool crafts! 

poker practice.
 Lainey emerged from this room later shouting " Mama! I beat Daddy at pokers with a full home!"

Amy and me

Taylor inspecting his work.