Land Rover at Sunset, originally uploaded by momentswithmichelle.
A truly African experience at the end of a perfect day!!!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Kiprop
William and Michelle, originally uploaded by momentswithmichelle.
Finally!!! After a year and a half of waiting we were married on December 14th. And what an event it was. We had 1,200 guests at the wedding and reception. The wedding was held outside of the home of David Tarus. It was magnificent. As you can see we were blessed with an incredible photographer. Adele Booysen is a colleague and a friend.
What a Gift
What a Gift, originally uploaded by momentswithmichelle.
Yes, we really did receive a calf during the wedding reception! Her name is Lelmet which means she has a white head.
Monday, December 03, 2007
House Warming
I attended a housewarming on Saturday, not for me, but for some special friends. Four years ago a widow in our community died. She left behind three children who lived with her, Jane, Shadrack and Chepchirchir. The children had several older married siblings. At the funeral everyone packed up and went home leaving the three youngest standing at the graveside. David Tarus (the director of ELI Kenya) saw them standing there with no one to care for them. He announced "get in the car, let's go home!". The children have moved around a bit since that time but always being under the supervision of David. At times they have been able to live under the same roof, but for the last year and a half they were split up. Jane is now 22 and Shadrack is about to enter his final year of high school. I think Chepchirchir is 12 or 13. I first met them in 2004 and have watched them grow in confidence over the last three years during my visits to Kenya.
Here is where the exciting part of the story comes in. Before she died, the children's mother had been involved in the Paper Making Project through ELI. She assisted in making paper for stationary to be sold in the United States. See www.empoweringlives.org for more info on how to support this project. She did not collect her earnings before passing away. Now that the children are old enough to be on their own they were granted the money their mother earned. With the money they built a small house on a tenth of an acre of property.
As a community we joined together for a house warming. Many speeches were made, the tears of joy flowed that day. As I watched my friends Juli and Allison share about how they had watched these three children grow and hold on to their hope in Christ my heart was deeply moved. I looked to the side and noticed that my parents were crying as well. I was reminded that the Bible says that this is true religion, to care for orphans and widows. And boy do we have a lot of orphans and widows in this community. But what a story of hope! To watch these three spread their wings and not only survive, but thrive in their environment is a true blessing!
Here is where the exciting part of the story comes in. Before she died, the children's mother had been involved in the Paper Making Project through ELI. She assisted in making paper for stationary to be sold in the United States. See www.empoweringlives.org for more info on how to support this project. She did not collect her earnings before passing away. Now that the children are old enough to be on their own they were granted the money their mother earned. With the money they built a small house on a tenth of an acre of property.
As a community we joined together for a house warming. Many speeches were made, the tears of joy flowed that day. As I watched my friends Juli and Allison share about how they had watched these three children grow and hold on to their hope in Christ my heart was deeply moved. I looked to the side and noticed that my parents were crying as well. I was reminded that the Bible says that this is true religion, to care for orphans and widows. And boy do we have a lot of orphans and widows in this community. But what a story of hope! To watch these three spread their wings and not only survive, but thrive in their environment is a true blessing!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Our House
This is William at the entrance to our new house. I had been in Kipkaren for less than an hour when he drove me over to see it. It has two bedrooms, a living room, one bathroom and a kitchen. Whether or not it will be done in time for the wedding is anyones guess at this point. Click on the picture to link to more pictures of the house.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
A New Home
A few weeks back William and I began to talk about making a property trade to move closer to the clinic. Within 24hrs of our decision to make the move, construction on our new home had begun. I can't wait to see it up close and personal next week! William tells me that the walls are fast approaching the window level now.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Showers of Blessing
I have been so blessed by friends and family during this season of my life! I've recently had several showers thrown in my honor. I move to Kenya one week from tomorrow! And no, for those of you who are asking, I am not ready!!! My house is full of piles of items to be packed. I am thanking the Lord for my mother who has been a life saver during all the crazy wedding and moving preparations!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)