The month of July has passed rather fast. Not that it is behind me I can look back in the events and thank the Lord for His guidance and provision. The main reason for staying longer in Nairobi was to begin studying the Boran language. Along with that it was possible to get legal documents submitted for living and working in Kenya for the next couple of years. Besides that it has been possible to reconnect with other AIM and missionary friends, cousins working in Kenya, and prepare for the return to Kalacha. Thanks for you interest and prayers for the time here.
What are the upcoming plans? The flight to Kalacha is set for August 8th in the morning for a two and half hour flight from Nairobi to Kalacha. Most likely the following Monday I will start to work at the clinic and begin the process of unpacking my household item. I know that Ware is still there, and have heard that Barako is also there. I will be glad to start working with them again.
What about the vehicle purchase?The Lord has given clear guidance to purchase a Land Rover Defender, station wagon 1996, from missionaries returning to the States. The prices is good and they did not need the money immediately. The fact that this missionary was the sole owner and cared for it so well impressed me. They have been so gracious to me as we have talked about the specifics of transfer of ownership. This last we were able to care for details related to insurance and ownership in Kenya together in a smooth fashion. THE Exciting thing was that the missionary needed to use it one more time for a his own trip in northern Kenya Aug.2-12th. He was willing to leave the vehicle in northern Kenya in a central town where another missionary couple work. So it means that we can save some on ware and tear on the vehicle and diesel prices. At some point later in August or early September I will be able to make arrangements for traveling up to Marsabit(where it will be left) in order to get the vehicle along with the many supplies for living in Kalacha again. THE LORD IS GOOD IN WORKING THIS OUT.
How has the language learning gone? The Lord has also given us a good 4 weeks of language learning. Boru and I started meeting on July 7th for two hours daily for 4 days per week. He has been helpful in explaining to me grammatical questions that I had. He has been patient in my many questions and having to repeat many details to me frequently !! It has shown me how much I need to learn and realize that I need to really concentrate on further language learning! Please don't stop praying for me.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Praise the Lord for answered prayer!
Just wanted to let everyone know that the Lord answered prayer regarding the trip back to Kenya. It was uneventful, smooth, comfortable and all my luggage arrived on the same plane that I did. I was very relieved to see it in Nairobi. Now I am staying in the mission's guest house in Nairobi for all of July at this point. That is a great place to meet people in all sort of Christian ministries in Kenya and Africa. So thanks to all of you for praying during these recent days of travel. I appreciate your continued prayers regarding decisions connected to language study and steps towards purchasing the vehicle. More details in the email updates that I send out. Now to get over the jet lag, establish a routine, and get Boran language lessons started during the up coming week.
WHAT IS JET LAG? Jet lag is what happens to a person due to the travel over a number of time zones in a short period of time. As one looks over the world map they can see that from the USA to Europe there are at least 5-6 different time zones that the airplane travels through in a 7.5 hour trip. Coming towards Europe is the larger part of the change of which 5 hours difference is experienced. Then another 8 hour trip from Europe to Kenya another two hour time zones are passed through to make a total of about 7-8(depending on the year)time zones. The results are a feeling of "fuzzy mind" and body. It takes at least 5-7 days to feel back into the routine again -sleeping the night through completely, not feeling sleepy during the daylight, and not feeling as if one is in a "fog". It is normal and just takes time to get back into routine again.
WHAT IS BORAN? This is the language that the people where I live and work speak. You might think that I do know it since I have worked there since 1999. Well, there are some reasons for taking lessons now. I know Swahili and so can use that when communicating with some people where I work. Thus I don't use what Boran that I might know very often. My responsibilities have hindered allowing concentrated time on the language. Up until now I have not found someone there at the immediate area who knows enough about their own language to explain it to me. Many of the traditional people don't know another language so it seems prudent to take the time before returning to the area to work on it. I have made contact with someone who is willing to do that for me. So the plan is to be in Nairobi area for all of July at this point to put time into doing just that, language(cultural included)learning. More details in the next email update.
WHAT IS JET LAG? Jet lag is what happens to a person due to the travel over a number of time zones in a short period of time. As one looks over the world map they can see that from the USA to Europe there are at least 5-6 different time zones that the airplane travels through in a 7.5 hour trip. Coming towards Europe is the larger part of the change of which 5 hours difference is experienced. Then another 8 hour trip from Europe to Kenya another two hour time zones are passed through to make a total of about 7-8(depending on the year)time zones. The results are a feeling of "fuzzy mind" and body. It takes at least 5-7 days to feel back into the routine again -sleeping the night through completely, not feeling sleepy during the daylight, and not feeling as if one is in a "fog". It is normal and just takes time to get back into routine again.
WHAT IS BORAN? This is the language that the people where I live and work speak. You might think that I do know it since I have worked there since 1999. Well, there are some reasons for taking lessons now. I know Swahili and so can use that when communicating with some people where I work. Thus I don't use what Boran that I might know very often. My responsibilities have hindered allowing concentrated time on the language. Up until now I have not found someone there at the immediate area who knows enough about their own language to explain it to me. Many of the traditional people don't know another language so it seems prudent to take the time before returning to the area to work on it. I have made contact with someone who is willing to do that for me. So the plan is to be in Nairobi area for all of July at this point to put time into doing just that, language(cultural included)learning. More details in the next email update.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Saturday, June 7, 2008
WOW! June 20th is getting closer!
June 20 is fast drawing to closer. I can't believe that I have been in the States for an entire year. Being here for that time was very beneficial for me- time to see friends and family numerous times, visiting churches not in a rushed manner for most of the time, and yet having time to rejuvenate spiritually, physically and emotionally! Praise the Lord! I am so glad I have the two extra weeks to pack and sort belongings and make necessary preparations for returning to Kenya. Originally, I was leaving on June 5th from Pennsylvania, but instead I have two weeks here.
You might be asking how is the Vehicle Project coming along? It has been faith stretching experience watching how the Lord has opened door to speak to supporters and churches about this adventure. People have been asking good questions, and have been challenged to help so that a vehicle can be purchased in Kenya. May 08 there was $5000.00 at AIM HQ from the previous vehicle I had in Kenya. But the end of May 21, it was $7200.00 at AIM HQ. By the beginning of June, it was nearly $10,000.00 , and as of June 6, yesterday, we have nearly $14,000 promised or in hand at AIM HQ. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS HAD A PART IN IT. MUNGU ANAWEZA- GOD IS ABLE.
Along with that someone an AIM prayer meeting put me in contact with a Christian donor organization in Philadelphia. They asked for a formal application to be filled out by myself and AIM which we have now sent to them asking for assistance in the purchase of the vehicle. Lord willing, their board will be meeting at the end of July to decide if and how much they can help.
Please pray that the Lord would show them how much they can send towards the purchase of the vehicle.
So what is the next step? Since the funds have passed the amount that AIM has required to return to Kenya, AIM has purchased tickets for me to leave Pa. on June 20 from Harrisburg. I fly down to Florida in order to spend some days in with AIM retiree's near Clermont, before leaving for Kenya on June 25th from Orlando. The KLM flight has a stopover of a few hours in Amsterdam , Lord willing to arrive in the evening in Nairobi, Kenya on June 26th.
How long will you be in Nairobi? The exact time in Nairobi is unsure at this point. I will be in Nairobi for at least July on account of wanted to learn more Boran. BORAN is the local language spoken at Kalacha. It has been possible to contact a Christian Boran man who is willing to take time in his schedule to help me learn. He has helped other missionaries who were thrilled with his explanations and assistance in learning Boran.
What can we pray for? 1)for decisions related to the vehicle purchase-which type of vehicle, when is the right time to purchase it, from whom, how much is a fare price, what needs to be added to the vehicle to make it easier to use in northern Kenya. 2)That the language helper, Boru Galgallo. and I will be able to comes up with a lesson schedule that is agreeable to both of us. (He teaches at a Bible school and has Church responsibilities) That we would find a good place for meeting for the lessons. That I'd have wisdom in knowing exactly how much he should be paid. 3)For me as I re-adjust back into living in Africa where matters are cared for at a slower pace, where life is not always so prodictable as in the States, and where relationships are more important than tasks!
You might be asking how is the Vehicle Project coming along? It has been faith stretching experience watching how the Lord has opened door to speak to supporters and churches about this adventure. People have been asking good questions, and have been challenged to help so that a vehicle can be purchased in Kenya. May 08 there was $5000.00 at AIM HQ from the previous vehicle I had in Kenya. But the end of May 21, it was $7200.00 at AIM HQ. By the beginning of June, it was nearly $10,000.00 , and as of June 6, yesterday, we have nearly $14,000 promised or in hand at AIM HQ. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS HAD A PART IN IT. MUNGU ANAWEZA- GOD IS ABLE.
Along with that someone an AIM prayer meeting put me in contact with a Christian donor organization in Philadelphia. They asked for a formal application to be filled out by myself and AIM which we have now sent to them asking for assistance in the purchase of the vehicle. Lord willing, their board will be meeting at the end of July to decide if and how much they can help.
Please pray that the Lord would show them how much they can send towards the purchase of the vehicle.
So what is the next step? Since the funds have passed the amount that AIM has required to return to Kenya, AIM has purchased tickets for me to leave Pa. on June 20 from Harrisburg. I fly down to Florida in order to spend some days in with AIM retiree's near Clermont, before leaving for Kenya on June 25th from Orlando. The KLM flight has a stopover of a few hours in Amsterdam , Lord willing to arrive in the evening in Nairobi, Kenya on June 26th.
How long will you be in Nairobi? The exact time in Nairobi is unsure at this point. I will be in Nairobi for at least July on account of wanted to learn more Boran. BORAN is the local language spoken at Kalacha. It has been possible to contact a Christian Boran man who is willing to take time in his schedule to help me learn. He has helped other missionaries who were thrilled with his explanations and assistance in learning Boran.
What can we pray for? 1)for decisions related to the vehicle purchase-which type of vehicle, when is the right time to purchase it, from whom, how much is a fare price, what needs to be added to the vehicle to make it easier to use in northern Kenya. 2)That the language helper, Boru Galgallo. and I will be able to comes up with a lesson schedule that is agreeable to both of us. (He teaches at a Bible school and has Church responsibilities) That we would find a good place for meeting for the lessons. That I'd have wisdom in knowing exactly how much he should be paid. 3)For me as I re-adjust back into living in Africa where matters are cared for at a slower pace, where life is not always so prodictable as in the States, and where relationships are more important than tasks!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
The Lord is continuing to work!
Yes, the Lord is definitely continuing to work out HIS will concerning the need of a vehicle. It has been a faith stretching process these last two months as I see how the Lord is working in regards the news of a need for a vehicle. I praise HIM for what He is teaching me about leaning on HIM, about being willing to turn over my WILL to the Lord so that He can work.
It was disappointing at first that my departure date for returning to Kenya would likely be postponed and to realize that so much was need in a short period of time. Was my faith in the Almighty God large enough? Was I willing to release my control over this decision that I thought I should be making upon returning to Kenya? What would I do regarding place to stay and vehicle if I needed to stay longer into the summer? These are some questions that I have posed to trusty friends in recent weeks. They have been so supportive. Thanks!
Thanks to many of you who have been praying for me and this new needs. Thanks to others who have called to ask concerning questions as you are as surprised as I am about the need of the vehicle. Thanks to the Lord for what He is teaching about waiting on HIM.
What is the reason for the late notice of a need of a vehicle? 1)is the change in mission leadership in Kenya as of September 2007. 2)As a result of insecurity in Kenya from Dec. to March necessitated AIM leadership concentrating on current events, safety issues and care of missionaries in Kenya. That left little time for concentration on matter relating to AIM missionaries outside of Kenya, but planning to return.
Where should funds be sent? They can be sent either to AIM or GMC offices.(See my May newsletter) But if funds are sent to AIM there is one less set of hands the funds to be funnels through. Also it will be easier to keep track of the running total if they are sent to AIM with an attached note specifically mentioning "Smethers' vehicle project".
Will the vehicle be purchased in the USA? IF not, why? No the vehicle will be purchased in Kenya. If it was purchased in the USA it would likely be extra expense above the $30,000 for customs, transport and fees to get into Kenya. Also it would be an extra expense to keep an American vehicle repaired as parts for American cars are not easily accessiable in Kenya. It will be more economical, less hassles, and import fees for parts in the years to come if the vehicle is purchase in Kenya. There are 4WD dealors in Nairobi, and mechanic garages where repairs can be done. Added to that often missionaries are leaving and selling their well kept vehicles which give another option for purchasing a well cared for second-hand vehicle.
It was disappointing at first that my departure date for returning to Kenya would likely be postponed and to realize that so much was need in a short period of time. Was my faith in the Almighty God large enough? Was I willing to release my control over this decision that I thought I should be making upon returning to Kenya? What would I do regarding place to stay and vehicle if I needed to stay longer into the summer? These are some questions that I have posed to trusty friends in recent weeks. They have been so supportive. Thanks!
Thanks to many of you who have been praying for me and this new needs. Thanks to others who have called to ask concerning questions as you are as surprised as I am about the need of the vehicle. Thanks to the Lord for what He is teaching about waiting on HIM.
What is the reason for the late notice of a need of a vehicle? 1)is the change in mission leadership in Kenya as of September 2007. 2)As a result of insecurity in Kenya from Dec. to March necessitated AIM leadership concentrating on current events, safety issues and care of missionaries in Kenya. That left little time for concentration on matter relating to AIM missionaries outside of Kenya, but planning to return.
Where should funds be sent? They can be sent either to AIM or GMC offices.(See my May newsletter) But if funds are sent to AIM there is one less set of hands the funds to be funnels through. Also it will be easier to keep track of the running total if they are sent to AIM with an attached note specifically mentioning "Smethers' vehicle project".
Will the vehicle be purchased in the USA? IF not, why? No the vehicle will be purchased in Kenya. If it was purchased in the USA it would likely be extra expense above the $30,000 for customs, transport and fees to get into Kenya. Also it would be an extra expense to keep an American vehicle repaired as parts for American cars are not easily accessiable in Kenya. It will be more economical, less hassles, and import fees for parts in the years to come if the vehicle is purchase in Kenya. There are 4WD dealors in Nairobi, and mechanic garages where repairs can be done. Added to that often missionaries are leaving and selling their well kept vehicles which give another option for purchasing a well cared for second-hand vehicle.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
God is working!
I am excited as to what the Lord is starting to do regarding the vehicle project. People are starting to hear the news of the need. Others are asking how they can be a part of the project. Others are inquiring as to the reason for the vehicle and why it seems like a late time in furlough to get the news out. Yet, others have been such a source of encouragement and prayer support! I feel so blessed in recent weeks. I am thrilled with the way that the Lord is showing HIS CONTROL and SOVEREIGN will in the entire matter.
We humans love to have control of our lives and living in "limbo" is not easy. We like to know what is going to happen in the near future. We like to have a say in what will be ahead of us. Yet, I am finding, slowly, that living a Christian life is living it the way the Lord desires and wills for me.
I have hopes of returning to Kenya in the near future, but it may not happen on the date expected. The mission leadership wants at least $12,000 raised before the departure date of June 10th from the USA. But if the Lord wants me to stay longer in the States that is fine. He has already shown me some possiblities of where to stay for a few months from now, about a vehicle and other matters related to the possible delay. Perhaps there is some future need for a vehicle that we (all of us involved in this matter) are not aware of. Perhaps we may not know until we reach Heaven ! That we will leave with the Lord! I do want to stay within His will for me, nevertheless.
I have been reading verses regarding wisdom and instruction. Here are a few that have caused me to think about. Proverbs 13:13; Proverb 3:5-7; Proverb 2:6-12 Thanks for your continued prayers on this entire matter. Blessings! Again"Munguanaweza" means "God is Able"!
We humans love to have control of our lives and living in "limbo" is not easy. We like to know what is going to happen in the near future. We like to have a say in what will be ahead of us. Yet, I am finding, slowly, that living a Christian life is living it the way the Lord desires and wills for me.
I have hopes of returning to Kenya in the near future, but it may not happen on the date expected. The mission leadership wants at least $12,000 raised before the departure date of June 10th from the USA. But if the Lord wants me to stay longer in the States that is fine. He has already shown me some possiblities of where to stay for a few months from now, about a vehicle and other matters related to the possible delay. Perhaps there is some future need for a vehicle that we (all of us involved in this matter) are not aware of. Perhaps we may not know until we reach Heaven ! That we will leave with the Lord! I do want to stay within His will for me, nevertheless.
I have been reading verses regarding wisdom and instruction. Here are a few that have caused me to think about. Proverbs 13:13; Proverb 3:5-7; Proverb 2:6-12 Thanks for your continued prayers on this entire matter. Blessings! Again"Munguanaweza" means "God is Able"!
Friday, April 25, 2008
New NEWS!
Recently I received an email from mission leader-
ship saying that I need to raise money for a 4WD
vehicle in order to start up mobile clinics again from Kalacha. I had hoped to return to Kenya and assess the situation, but the mission wants me to present the need before I leave in June 2008. So I am writing a prayer letter to everyone know and adding it to this months blog.
Two of the last 4 years in Kenya, I did have a land rover to use for the mobile clinics. But it became far to expensive for me to keep it running and repaired. So it was sold and with in 6
months the Lord answer the 3 reason for having
a vehicle-mobile clinics, travel between Nairobi
and Kalacha, and getting supplies. So I was hoping to return this time to see what the situation was at Kalacha with new missionaries and ministries starting up to see if really did need one.
You might have lots of questions as do I when thinking about a vehicle. I still have questions, but have wanted to know the Lord's leading in this matter totally. I am not sure exactly how and when He will supply, but He will. Let me pose some questions that you mgiht be asking:
1)How much will a vehicle cost? I looked on the
internet and the 4WD in the States costs at least
$20,000US new. AIM leadership is proposing that
I raise $30,000 which would give me the remainder
to use for the running and repairs on the vehicle.
They want me to have at least $12,000 "in-hand"
or promised before leaving the USA on June 10th.
2)Will you purchase the vehicle in Kenya? The plan is to purchase the vehicle, second-hand, in Kenya as that will decrease matters related to importing and fees involved to get the vehicle into Kenya.
3)Why is a 4WD necessary for your work? The reason a 4WD is necessary is because in northern Kenya when I work roads are either dusty and rocky in the dry season(most of the year), or MUDDY and EVENTFUL in the rainy season(twice a year). Due to unpaved roads each trip takes its tole on the tires, shock absorbers, bushings, body of the vehicle, and regular maintenance along with the higher price of fuel in Kenya. At present $6.00 is the price of a gallon of diesel.
If you have more questions please contact AIM, myself, or Global Ministries Commission on the websites provided.
ship saying that I need to raise money for a 4WD
vehicle in order to start up mobile clinics again from Kalacha. I had hoped to return to Kenya and assess the situation, but the mission wants me to present the need before I leave in June 2008. So I am writing a prayer letter to everyone know and adding it to this months blog.
Two of the last 4 years in Kenya, I did have a land rover to use for the mobile clinics. But it became far to expensive for me to keep it running and repaired. So it was sold and with in 6
months the Lord answer the 3 reason for having
a vehicle-mobile clinics, travel between Nairobi
and Kalacha, and getting supplies. So I was hoping to return this time to see what the situation was at Kalacha with new missionaries and ministries starting up to see if really did need one.
You might have lots of questions as do I when thinking about a vehicle. I still have questions, but have wanted to know the Lord's leading in this matter totally. I am not sure exactly how and when He will supply, but He will. Let me pose some questions that you mgiht be asking:
1)How much will a vehicle cost? I looked on the
internet and the 4WD in the States costs at least
$20,000US new. AIM leadership is proposing that
I raise $30,000 which would give me the remainder
to use for the running and repairs on the vehicle.
They want me to have at least $12,000 "in-hand"
or promised before leaving the USA on June 10th.
2)Will you purchase the vehicle in Kenya? The plan is to purchase the vehicle, second-hand, in Kenya as that will decrease matters related to importing and fees involved to get the vehicle into Kenya.
3)Why is a 4WD necessary for your work? The reason a 4WD is necessary is because in northern Kenya when I work roads are either dusty and rocky in the dry season(most of the year), or MUDDY and EVENTFUL in the rainy season(twice a year). Due to unpaved roads each trip takes its tole on the tires, shock absorbers, bushings, body of the vehicle, and regular maintenance along with the higher price of fuel in Kenya. At present $6.00 is the price of a gallon of diesel.
If you have more questions please contact AIM, myself, or Global Ministries Commission on the websites provided.
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