Kenya is an amazing country punctuated with harsh violence, beautiful yet rugged land, heartbreaking poverty and needy people that our Lord dearly loves.  It is an heart-impacting place.

Kijabe Hospital – Our team visited the amazing work of the

Kijabe Hospital

Kijabe Hospital.  Our team members had the privilege of spending time in the HIV/AIDS ward, visiting folks in their homes who were at the end of their lives, going on rounds with hospital chaplains and holding sick babies.   Our good friends Andy and Mardi Steere, SIM missionaries, are key individuals in the work of the hospital.  Andy, a civil engineer, as funds are available is constantly improving the infrastructure of this 100 year old facility.  Mardi is the Medical Director of this hospital that does 10,000 plus surgeries a year.  Their patients are poor, sick and needy.  We experienced firsthand the incredible burden of the prioritizing of funds and staff necessary to keep the hospital functioning.  Sadly, during our stay, the oxygen producing plant failed and three infants did not survive.  Please keep the Steere’s in your prayers as they wholeheartedly serve the Lord while also raising their own family.

SIM Conference – SIM gathered their missionaries serving in Kenya and Tanzania for a four day Spiritual Life Conference. Our Team provided child care, fun with teenagers and worship.  My role was to provide a one day Marriage Seminar, debriefing/counseling, ideas that create longevity in the Field and a seminar for single missionaries.  My schedule was full!  I had the privilege of working with Dr. Judy Frey, local member care director.  I think in all the countries that Patty and I have worked with missions organizations, this group may have been the most open, engaged and invested.  The feedback has been amazing!  While I returned to the States as tired as I can ever remember, thanks partly to the African Weight Loss program (smile), my heart was full.  I believe our partnership with SIM will continue and expand.