Quakes and Tornados in the Rift

Well I've been here at RVA for 11 years and I can safely say I've never seen anything like this before.  Two natural phenomenon in as many weeks.

First a couple weeks ago some very sizable cracks have opened in the Rift Valley floor.  Due in part to tectonic plate movement which opened up chasms underground.  The massive amounts of rain we've had recently had water-logged the surface layer causing the roof of these chasms to collapse.  The result was a pretty interesting looking landscape.

Second, this afternoon, a beautiful sunny afternoon, in Kijabe was the perfect vantage point from which to see a tornado work its way across the valley floor. Forming just north of Mahi Mahiu near one of the IDP camps. It slowly made its way across the valley toward the base of Mt. Longonot where it finally dissipated. I had my phone with me so I was able to snap a few pics. Not the best but good enough. And for those of you who've been here, no its not a "dust devil." They don't reach cloud to ground. And with all the rain this area's had there's very little dust right now. Well actually.... did a little research and this was what's most commonly referred to as a "landspout". It may be observed beneath cumulonimbus clouds and is the land equivalent of a waterspout. It often forms along the leading edge of rain-cooled downdraft air emanating from a thunderstorm. Man I sound smart. Thanks Google.

Why I don’t believe in Prosperity Gospel

I have heard people declare that God is good.  It is usually followed by a list of blessings. The sun is shining. My kids are healthy. I am having a good day. My job pays well. God is good!

Is God still good when that list looks different? Is God still good when the weather is bad? Is God is still good when sickness hits your family? Is God still good when things seem to be crumbling around you? I choose to say YES!

But that is not the gospel that is often preached…especially in Third World countries. We have sat under some pretty poor teaching in Kenyan churches that speaks to prosperity gospel. “If you pray more, than bad things won’t happen.” Or if bad things DO happen, that is somehow a result of sin or lack of faith.

The truth is we have been promised trouble in this world. It is guaranteed.

John 16:33 says “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!”  The Psalms are full of David lamenting his troubles to the Lord and then praising God for being his Rock in the midst of trials. Why are we surprised when it hits us? Why do we blame God when trials come?

I have been pondering this more lately as it seems trials are tumbling down upon us in rapid succession. 42 days of straight rain. A broken washing machine. A car that won’t start.  Being financially under-supported and trying to make ends meet. Water crisis at our school – filing buckets to flush toilets and do laundry. My grandfather passed away and we can’t be there for the funeral. My mother-in-law has cancer – how do we support from afar?

The list is not pretty. But GOD is GOOD. He is still good in the midst of my “suffering.” (meager as it may seem, especially compared to some who encounter suffering on a much grander scale) And yet God teaches us SO much through trials and tribulations. I am much more aware of His faithfulness and provision when I am acutely aware of my utter neediness.

A thought from my devotional last week, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young:

Do not resist or run from the difficulties in your life. These problems are not random mistakes; they are hand-tailored blessings designed for your benefit and growth. Embrace all the circumstances that I allow in your life, trusting Me to bring good out of them. View problems as opportunities to rely more fully on Me.

The Snake Slayer

It was a dark, rainy and cold night. I was tidying up the porch and putting away shoes, boots and umbrellas into their proper places on the shoe shelf and into the umbrella pot. As I quickly worked, wanting to hurry back into the warm house, I spotted something black and slithery. It was dark, so it was hard to make it out, but it didn't take long to realize it was a snake! Jeff was gone. He had taken Megan into Nairobi for her eye check-up. Ian was in bed and just Lyndsey and I were awake. Not wanting to put my family into danger, adrenaline kicked in and I was able to grab a knife quickly and slay the snake without even being grossed out or afraid. The emotions came later....after the snake was dead. The fear, the close call, the sense that our lives had been in danger. Our gardener confirmed the next morning, that indeed it was a black mamba, one of the deadliest snakes. I am just glad I didn't get bit or attacked before it died. 

OKAY...the REAL STORY....

It WAS a dark and rainy night and I WAS tidying up, when I reached for a boot to put back on the shoe shelf and lo and behold, saw a small dark form. At first I thought it was an earthworm, but noticing it's length and movement, determined it to be a baby snake. Lyndsey ran for a knife and I did kill it, but it didn't take much. Our gardener DID determine it to be a baby black mamba. I have heard differing reports - some say the baby snakes are MORE dangerous and others say they are less dangerous. Even so, this guy didn't have a chance to grow up and scare us! Here is perspective on how big it really was..... 

Grandpa Baker

My Grandpa Baker entered Heaven's gates yesterday morning. I found myself moping around the house yesterday, feeling sad that he had died only a few months before we were to return to the States. Selfishly, I wanted him to hang on until we could see him one more time. I was also mourning the fact that all the family would gather together this week, except us. But in the middle of my sadness yesterday I had to stop and ask myself, "Why am I sad?" After all, Grandpa was trapped in an earthly body that was old and weary. Now, he is rejoicing and dancing on streets of gold with his beloved  Savior. Why am I sad? Truly, it is a day of rejoicing.

Without a doubt, Grandpa is hearing the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." For that is truly what he was. A good and faithful servant of the Lord. Grandpa and Grandma served the Lord for many years in South America. And even when they returned to the States, their ministry continued. Grandpa leaves behind a legacy of love, faithfulness and a trust in God.

One of my favorite memories of Grandpa is the year I landed my first job teaching 4th grade in a public school. I invited Grandpa to my classroom to share some stories with the kids. I did tell him ahead of time that being a public school, we were not to bring up spiritual matters, unless the students asked the question first. Well, Grandpa got up and started telling stories, and within minutes was laying out the entire gospel message. I half-cringed, half-chuckled in the back of the room. Of course I didn't want to get into trouble, but at the same time, I have to smile because that was who Grandpa was - he couldn't NOT share the good news. Everywhere we went, Grandpa was telling others about Jesus.

I know Grandpa was ready to go to Heaven and I know that he is so full of joy right now - being with the Savior he spent his whole life loving and serving. And he has left me a wonderful legacy - as someone who loves Jesus so much it just spills over to others.

Sunday School Retreat

I have had the pleasure of teaching Sunday School to 10th grade girls for the past 6 or 7 years. We started using Barbara Mouser's curriculum, Five Aspects of Femininity for Young Women, but over the years we have supplemented the curriculum with a lot of extras. One of those extras is our annual retreat. During that weekend, we focus on dating, purity, and letting God write their love story. The past two years we tweaked our retreat curriculum even more to focus on Jesus being our Prince Charming, whether marriage is in the future or not. It has been great to work with a fabulous group of teachers, as well as invest in some sweet, precious girls. Here are pictures from this year's retreat...hot off the press!

Journal Time

3 of the 7 teachers

So fun to teach alongside a great friend!

craft time

the teachers treated the girls to pedicures

yummy meals!

my sweet small group

The whole group!

Winter in Kenya

I wish my blog had a temperature button. The following pictures do not do justice to the COLD we are feeling right now in Kenya! Winter has come, but around here, it doesn't bring snow with it, but lots of rain. We have been wearing our rain boots and carrying umbrellas every day. Our fireplaces are lit each day, in hopes of warming up our cold stone houses just a bit. Along with the rains, comes all sorts of bugs - slugs, flying termites, and my least favorite - the Nairobi eye. A very small insect - hard to spot - but it is filled with nasty acid, so if you see one, don't squish it or it will give you a horrible acid burn on your skin.

School has started up again and we are on the home stretch. I think the last count from my seniors in class was about 82 days until graduation! I am teaching Advanced Cooking again this term with a new batch of students.....all seniors! Keeping them focused this time of year is a challenge. But who doesn't enjoy cooking? You can see they are taking their culinary skills very seriously here!

My friend Julie

Today I woke up to devastating news on my computer. My dear friend, Julie and her son  Timmy were killed in a tragic car accident in Paraguay. Julie and her husband Norberto had been serving there as missionaries for the past 10 years and had recently adopted a little girl,  Anahi, to join their family.

Julie and I met in 10th grade at Northview High School. I was home for one year on furlough with my family and not a happy camper. Making new friends was hard. Going to a new school was hard. And being away from the familiarity of Kenya was hard. Then along came Julie. She was a strong Christian friend with lots of spunk! We had lots of fun together that year and I really feel like she was instrumental in getting me through that difficult time in my life.

Over the years we went our separate ways - we both married, had children, and pursued missions. She and her husband to Paraguay and Jeff and I to Kenya. We kept in touch via facebook and each other's blogs and I was hoping to see her this summer when both of our furloughs coincided.

The Lord had other plans and took her home to be with Him yesterday. My heart is heavy but I am rejoicing in the beautiful legacy she left behind - of a godly woman who was passionate about her family, her ministry and her faith.