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So, we are indeed packing up and moving out! Jean’s been incredibly busy and organized of course, and has been packing up our household for the last couple of weeks in preparation for our big adventure year in Canada! We’re taking a sabbatical leave from Rosslyn for the next school year, and so will find ourselves battling mosquitos and blizzards in no time (I’m afraid). It’s been seven years since we first set foot in Kenya, and began to learn what it was like to be in a new country, a new culture, and a new piece of God’s puzzle for us. But, now the shoe’s on the other foot, and we’re once again tripping across the ocean towards more “new”ness. Our kids have basically grown up in Kenya, and have gone to Rosslyn all of their schooling lives, but now they’re excited for the new adventure to begin — and all that small-town Canadian life on the prairies can offer.

We’ll be setting down in Manitoba on Monday, and then hanging out with family for a few weeks before visiting a few Kenya friends in the States. Then, it’s off to Hepburn, Saskatchewan. I’m going to be working at Bethany College for the year, and the kids will be going to Hepburn school, with Jean’s plans yet to be determined after she finishes up her Natural Nutritionist Consultant studies in August. So, we’ve got a busy summer ahead of us, but we’re excited to get going, to see our families and friends, and enjoy what God has in store for us!

We anticipate coming back “home” to Kenya in late July of 2012 even now, knowing that our home (and job) will be waiting for us, along with our friends over here. We are so blessed to live this split-between-two-continents life — God truly has been good to us.

We’ll continue to update the blog every so often. Thank you for the prayers – we’ll need them as we try to make sense of the cultural shifts that we’ll be faced with in Canada, and especially for our children as they try to make new friends and learn about what life is like over yonder.

Peace on the journey,
The Enns family

As I write this, it’s raining outside – and although this wouldn’t be a big deal in most parts of Canada, it’s a big deal here. Even now, after it has rained for the last couple of weeks almost every day, we hear the rain on the tin roof of our house, and we ask excitedly, “is it raining??” followed by a deep sigh of contentment. Rain here is truly a blessing. So many months go by with no moisture, and everything starts to crackle and snap. But when the rains come, the world wakes up green and damp and new again.

For us, this is a strange season though. We’re here, but we’re not all here. In two months, we’ll be on the other side of the world again, and what we’ve known to be our home longer than any other place in our family life will exist without us. We’ll be with family – a long and welcome respite from the challenges of email and skype. But, we’ll also be living in a place that is unknown to our children – what will daily life in Canada be like? Will a trip to the grocery store overwhelm us, as we try to come to terms with how many different kinds of pickles there really can be in one aisle? Will our kids be able to make friends? Will we be able to deal with the winter snow and cold, and the lack of daily sunshine? What about school? What about jobs and money? These days, most of our conversations center around the ‘what ifs’ and the unknowns about what lies two, three, five, and ten months ahead. At this point, we are just planning and thinking and hoping, and nothing is very certain, aside from the fact that we know God has some great plans for us.

So, as we work our way through lent, and look forward to celebrating Passover with our friends again this year, we are a little trepidatious about what we will encounter in the next year. And yet, there is reason for hope. Just like our April showers that are daily soaking the ground, giving life back to the land here in Kenya, so God will tend to us.

So, we continue to seek your prayers, and we’ll be praying for you as your Aprils roll by.
Peace,
The Enns family

So, it’s February, and with that come the normal “blahs” that have inhabited this month for time immemorial. The Christmas holidays are but a not-so-recent memory, and the advent of spring seems like it will never arrive. We are, as the Scots would say, in the gloaming, and it is during this time that we have a moment or two to ponder the past and the future. For us, this means something more than it has in the past few years, as we have decided to take a sabbatical year from Rosslyn Academy, to live and work and possibly study in Canada for the school year beginning this August.

This is pretty big news, as this marks and will mark a drastic alteration to our daily lives – one that will no doubt require many adjustments and a lot of flexibility in us, our kids, and in you our family and friends. As is the case with most sabbatical arrangements, by taking the sabbatical, we are saying that we will be away from RA for a year, but will return for another 2 year contract beginning August 20, 2012. Rosslyn will hold my job and our house for us while we are learning and growing overseas, so that when we return, we will be refreshed and ready to continue to work and live here in Nairobi. As it stands right now, we have no firm plans! We are working on forming some, and would love to know the answers that God will give to us as to where we will live, where our kids will attend school, and what we will do with our waking hours while in Canada. But, I’m sure He’ll let us know when the time is right.

But, even if we can’t start planning much of how our time will be spent and where we will spend it next year, we can begin to think about what this move will mean for us as a family. Jean, being the more proactive thinker, has been reading a book that has gotten us thinking about what we should be preparing ourselves for as we embark on this major life change. It’s called The Art of Coming Home by Craig Storti – so far (as far as I can tell, since I haven’t read more than the first chapter yet), an excellent read, and one that is causing us to think that maybe we’ll be needing some help with our transition as we re-enter North American life.

It’s interesting to think about the idea that although Jean and I will be, in some real sense, coming “home” to Canada – at least coming back to live in a place we’ve lived for much of our lives in a general sort of way – our kids will be leaving theirs. They’ve lived here for more than half of their young lives, and so they can’t (and don’t) call Canada “home” like we do. This place, the campus of Rosslyn Academy in Nairobi, Kenya is home to them, and will continue to be, for the most part. So, although they are very much looking forward to things like skating, snowball fights, fishing, camping, spending quality & quantity time with grandparents, uncles and aunts and cousins, they look forward to these things as one would look forward to a long vacation (one that will include school I guess!). They’ve not really been indoctrinated into what life is like in Canada, and so it’ll be a big change for them…and for us, since it’s been a long while since we’ve done the business of daily life – the grind – in Canada…and it’ll be different than how we have lived our lives here for the last seven years.

So, the next few posts will probably be spent exploring and trying to determine how we can best prepare ourselves for this upcoming season of change…and we invite you to join with us in reading, preparing, and trying to understand how to “come home”.

For now, and until we have more news,
Peace and blessing on the journey!

Finally! There aren’t many words that have the calming relaxing effect that those two precious words “the holidays” do! We had a blast during our long “winter” break – and it began with our annual Krymusa / Kirkpatrick / Enns family campout at Malewa. It was a great to hang out around the fire, watch our kids hang out together, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. I guess I could tell you of all the happenings of our holidays, but that might be a little too boring for this short post.

But, maybe more importantly, we did do some thinking about why we do what we do around Christmas – why we give gifts to each other, how we can focus more on the Christ during this time, what we can do to make the holidays more meaningful…that kind of thing. And, so, perhaps in the future we’ll be making some changes to how we celebrate during the Christmas season.

Do you know about the feast of St. Nicholas, and how some people choose to make December 6th the major gift-giving day of the season, thus leaving more “room” for the Christ to be the focus of the holidays? That sounds cool – maybe we’ll do that…next year. And, why did I not know about the truth behind the “Twelve Days of Christmas”? I mean, honestly, the song as a way for Christians in the past to learn the basics of the catechism, wrapped in elementary symbolism and song? That’s cool too! So, we started on Christmas Day, and each day looked forward to a family outing or significant moment / food as the proverbial Wise Men traveled their way to Jesus’ home. On January 6th – Epiphany – we celebrated their arrival, thus ending our metaphorical journey through the season. It was a great trip, one that we will make again.

So, we revamped our usual Holiday happs a little this year, and are poised to do more of the same in the years to come. We continue to think about traditions – those that we do and those that we should do, as we attempt to help ourselves and our kids get the most out of life. Suffice it to say, the Holidays were good to us again this year…we hope they were as good to you and yours.

Peace Out,
The Ennses (apparently, this is a correct way to pluralize our name. I don’t like it — thoughts?)

Yes, this refrain is one that parents all over the world have heard often…too often. And, it applies to our recent weeks here in a couple of ways. First, we ventured forth into the wild blue yonder (okay, so not that blue, but wild, yes), and spent some time at lake Baringo – about 4.5 hours away from home. It was great, as we relaxed and unwound, away from the everyday norm of school. We saw some amazingly cool stuff, right from the front porch of the house we stayed at in Robert’s Camp. Crocodiles sunning themselves, hippos eating and burping (and showing us their…butts…good thing it was dark), birdlovers paradise, lizards – fun to watch. And, there was a pool nearby that kept the kids busy in the heat of the days. We had a great time getting out of Nairobi, and enjoying friends and fun. And yes, the question of “are we there yet” did pass from our kids lips on that trip…

But now, that wonderful phrase is passing from mine (and the rest of the family’s too…though maybe not as loudly) as I count down the days to Christmas break. As always, I love teaching and the students here are, make no mistake, amazing. Just yesterday, the senior class put together a very cool family friendly evening of Christmas carols and readings, followed by a very nice sampling of soup, buns, cookies and hot cocoa. Students do this stuff?

Anywho, things have been going great. But, as is the case with every deadline, once you can see it, the need to reach the finish becomes even more acute. And so, with the end of classes / exams looming at the end of this week (friday at 12:30 pm to be exact), we are all feeling the pain of “are we there yet?”. Soon and very soon. The great thing is that the season we are now in is all about expectation and hope – and so it is more than just a break from the school grind.

We hope that this Christmas brings you joy and happiness with family and friends…and peace, even if we aren’t there yet.
The Enns’

Well, it’s now July 18 (a day before Jean’s 40th birthday! – more on that later on), and so the update is a little overdue. Still, I’m trying to get some sort of bloggery going on every month or two…and hoping you’re enjoying them. We always appreciate notes or messages, so feel free to drop us a line.

The end of school in May brought some good times of closure and promotion for us — can you believe Ezra will be in middle school? Talk about time just leapfrogging forward without a guy paying attention! We just bought him a new pair of hikers — size 9?! what the? The kids are just growing like weeds, and so we’re officially in the preteen years with Ez, and almost double digits for Zay already. Crazy. Anyways, we’re enjoying our summer holidays (and the cooler temps they’ve brought so far), and are spending our days hanging out a home, doing a few projects (see gallery), and reliving our great trip to the coast (again, let it be known that the Enns’ love the kenyan beaches! check out some of the great pics).

So, at this point, we’re just chilling out a bit, and slowly preparing for another school year around the corner. Mid August, we’ll be back at it hard, so we’ll enjoy the peace and tranquility while we can.

So, with the long break a month and a half gone, here’s what the highlight reel contains so far:
~ Ezra and Zay’s unbridled excitement at finishing yet another year of studies at Rosslyn – more time for Wii!
~ Ezra’s 5th grade promotion ceremony was great, and he looked so cool (and different!) in his dress up duds. What a dude.
~ June 5th marked the 17th Wedding Anniversary for Jean and I. No, we weren’t ten when we got married…we’re getting on in years I ‘spect! We are blessed to say the least.
~ Said goodbye to another great group of Rosslyn seniors…blessings and peace on the journey everyone!
~ The aforementioned coast trip — best two week holiday we’ve ever taken (and the only one I guess…but it wasn’t long enough!). So many great memories – wave jumping, sand building, beach walks,Ticket to Ride, reading, swimming in the pool, Good Eats, and no dishes!
~ Built a tree house in front of our place for the kiddos…the kids seem to be enjoying it a lot these days
~ Jean revamped the back porch furniture….looks and feels awesome
~ Put a patio together for the backyard rejuvenation project

Those, and many more things have been keeping us busy and happy during these holidays…and we’re looking for a few weeks more of the good stuff before we head back to work and the grind. Hopefully, you are finding some time to do some different things this summer too, and that the days are treating you well.
Blessings and peace to you from the Enns’.

Finally, the end is here! We’ve withstood the rigors of the last few months, and are still standing (well, I’m sitting right now but you get the drift). The boys have ended very well this year, and their report cards show the evidence of hard work and determination. Highlights include an A in Math (this definitely takes hard work for us all) for Zay and Ez, and effort grades through the roof. Julia finished up her preschool (“Eaglets”) and her movement education course (“Monkeynastics”) with flying colors of course, and is also ready for a long summer break. Jean also completed her first of three sections in her Natural Nutrition studies ~ she’s academically amazing as well as being overall incredible. And, yes, the seniors have graduated, thanks in large part to their hard work and determination in my English classes…things have been signed, dated, graded, and processed, and all we need to do now is recuperate! It’s been a good yet trying year here at Rosslyn, and now that the campus has emptied out again for the “summer”, we again are enjoying the peace and quiet that this time brings for us here. The weather is cool, the rains sporadic, and the patterns are still new. We’re looking forward to a trip to the coast (to a small cottage close to the ocean), and doing some work on the yard in the coming months. All in all, it’s been a good year full of learning and growing – but we’re just beginning to enjoy some well-deserved time off. Hope you all have an opportunity for some RnR soon too!
Peace ~ The Enns’

Yes! It’s May, and with it comes the realization that another school year is drawing to a close. May is a busy month for us — check out what’s on our calendar!

What Happened in April…
- ACSI Conference at RVA for Wes and all teaching staff ~ was alright, but not my favorite way to spend Good Friday and part of a long weekend!
- Jean made paska with Sherene Horton ~ this year’s batch of menno goodness was amazing!
- Meals out with great friends to celebrate Easter and other occasions ~ hung out with Kirkpatricks, the Hortons, and Kurt and Carla Unger before they returned to Tanzania, had our monthly Dinner Club with the regular group (theme: Your Mama!)
- Guys Campout at Hell’s Gate ~ good times with some of the Rosslyn guys. Wings, Jerkey, Cinnamon buns, eggs and bacon. Oh, and great views of Hell’s Gate Park.
- Jr/Sr Banquet at Holiday Inn ~ since I’m Jr. Sponsor this year, we were invited (and partly responsible) for this fun evening out.
- Korean Cooking Class ~ Jean’s been expanding her cooking empire by learning from some of the Korean mom’s
- Small Group ~ finished our study and reading of “Jesus for President” — with accompanying dessert and coffee of course
- Sleepovers for both Zay and Ez with school buddies
- Seussical the Musical ~ this year’s RA musical production was awesome fun for the whole family!
- Personal Day ~ Wes took his last personal day for the year on Friday. Out for brunch with his amazing wife at Le Rustique (most amazing stuffed crepe ever), followed by a long afternoon nap. Too good!

What’s Up in May…
- Hymn sing at Menno Guest House on Sunday ~ always a good change of pace…
- AP students write their exams ~ my AP English kids write next week…
- Lots of Vball ~ Wes is coaching Varsity guys again this year. Looking forward to finishing strong, and bringing home the hardware again this season!
- Jr. Guys Campout to Hell’s Gate ~ loved it so much, going back to Hell! This time, some HS teachers are hanging out with the jr. guys to spark up some of the leaders for next year
- Senior Sems ~ all the sr.s here at RA have to write a 10 page social studies paper and defend their thesis in a 40 minute multimedia presentation.
- Spring concerts! ~ the boys will be singing and playing percussion in celebration
- Annual end of year Staff Banquet ~ goodbyes and official end of the work year! YES!
- Lots of Graduation celebrations ~ from now on, practically every weekend will hold smaller graduate celebration parties and blessings for our students…busy, but always good food to look forward to.
- And, this is what’s on the calendar! Who knows what else will come our way.

So, May the fourth be with you! Many thanks for your prayers and emails; we love hearing from you!
the Enns’

Hey All! Welcome back to another installment of “All’s well that Enns well”. We’re trying to end well anyways, as we feel that yet another school year is racing past, and it’s already March! We have braved the Ides, and things are very green as I look out of the windows of my classroom on this sunny St. Patrick’s Day. Presently, we’re in the midst of a relaxing Spring Break week off, and so the kids are playing Wii, swimming in the pool, and enjoying the distinct lack of homework and school imposed tyranny. Only a couple more months, and school year 09-10 will be history, leading us to another summer out here in Kenya, hopefully full of good times and good family memories. If anyone is interested in visiting this summer, feel free to give us a call or email, we’d love to show you around!

To briefly summarize what we’ve been up to since I last wrote, we’ve been deeply immersed in Rosslyn life – mostly in the area of school and study. Jean continues to plug away at her studies in Natural Nutrition (happily, I’ve not been asked to scarf down unidentifiable green/brown substances yet…perhaps I’ll have to beware some ides to come), and is enjoying immensely the opportunity to stretch her mind in areas she’s interested in learning about. She tries to fit in a couple hours of study each day during the week, in an intention to finish up her studies by end of summer 2011. Julia is full of life and joy (we’ve realized this is her default setting, and its just such a treat to have her around), and is happy right now playing with her friend Ben, who has come to visit Rosslyn campus for a couple weeks. She tends to sing songs to herself, and we catch her making up her own lyrics put to songs she knows…my favorite: “I love God, I love God, I love God, I love God” set to “He’s so Good to Me”. She loves sleepovers with mom, playing bowling on the Wii, and listening to the Westhills (Calgary) CD that we have from long ago, repeating the song I sing at least 40 times a day.

Ezra is dedicated to his reading, to biking around campus (when his tires aren’t flat), and to being as even-keeled as possible in his normal life. His room is often clean, neat and tidy, and he loves boxes and little holders for his collections (whatever they may be). He really loves technology, and so digs playing with any sort of computer or system. Although he is becoming weary of school earlier every year, he willingly does his work and seems, overall, very happy to be who he is. If Ez celebrates life in an even-steven way, Isaiah let’s it rip! His love is activity – swimming, daily soccer games with Ez and me on the pitch, biking, playing Wii with a gusto and passion that usually lands him some trouble, and going full-throttle. His highs outweigh his lows, but each is measured by kilometers not centimeters. In school, he too is a dream, and his favorite subjects are PE, social studies and art. What a kid!

And me? Well, happy to be teaching good kids in a great school during the day, and pumped to be able to walk only a few minutes for my commute to be with my incredible wife and kids each day. I love my coffee in the mornings – though presently am taking them without sugar due to some healthy impulse connected to lent – and after school porch talks with Jean. Soon, volleyball will start again, and so things will pick up in pace for the rest of the year…but things are good. No complaints from me.

So, tonight, we’re off to Diamond Plaza for some Indian food, always a good time. If you’re in the neighborhood, we’ll be there at Alyas, enjoying some garlic naan and daal makhani. Feel free to drop by – but get there early, otherwise the naan will be all gone!

Well, Christmas in Kenya is always a little different from the Canadian norm…though this year, we’ve had a few storms blow in with more rain than usual – which has been nice! You can close the doors, batten down the hatches and hunker down with a sweater or a throw blanket occasionally – what a treat! We’ve had a great last little while here, with some trips to the coast, camping, etc. It has been busy, but fun.

So, this semester has come and gone…time marches on like so many toy soldiers. And, especially now, we tend to miss our wonderful families and friends back home more than ever (and the snow, don’t forget the snow). But, unless you stumble upon 12000 bones hidden somewhere at the back of some closet, it’s pretty much impossible to jump on a plane and head for the prairies at the drop of a hat. Know that you all are missed!

And, in other news…there’s not really much that is news these days. Things here are still the same – politically, stability (in the Kenyan sense of the word) remains – culturally, things are usually enjoyable and diversity is cool – community wise, it’s a chore sometimes and blessing in others – and our family is doing well, in fact, doing very well I’d say. So, we carry on into the new year with anticipation of the new experiences we can assume will come our way, and a hope that our lives will continue to have meaning in what we do each day. We pray the same for you, and that you would especially feel challenged to reach out to those you know and don’t know in response to the unmitigated generosity of our God.

Blessings and Peace be yours in the new year!
The Enns’

Well, even though we don’t get Monday off from work (that’s what you get for working at an international school in Kenya I guess), Happy Thanksgiving! Typically, we’d spend this Sunday afternoon celebrating our thankfulness (and our Canadianness) with friends here. But, this year, we’re celebrating the birthday of one of the most helpful people we know – Lispha, our house worker. She’s worked for us for 5 years now, and we’ve loved having her in our home. So, with the Krymusas (she also works for them), we’ll be hanging out with Lispha and her family this Sunday, which happens to be her birthday. The days are still hot and sometimes humid here these days, and we’re still not quite getting the heavy rains we need so badly right now – though, last night it did rain a bit, and so we’re hoping this will bode well for more of the wet stuff to combat the brown dry conditions. I understand that it snowed this last week in Saskatchewan…honestly, can you send it our way? We’ll even take the cold that goes with it!

Just wanted to let you all know (and JUDE especially, sorry I’ve been so negligent!) that I’ve also updated the gallery with pictures from summer and the beginning of this school year, so click on the link (it’s on the left of side of the page) and check out pics from our time in the UK and Canada.

Enjoy the turkey!
Wes

I’ll skip the requisite apology for not updating this blog recently – it seems that everyone in the world has issues with keeping up with tyranny of blogging, and so I am in good company. What is it that makes us feel guilty about not taking the few moments to let the world know what we are doing every moment? I, for one, feel no guilt about this – so, take that Postmodern World!

Homework continues to rear its ugly head in life – though, I suppose as an educator I should have a more positive opinion about this thing that I actually make my own students do. But, it’s taken on new status in our home as of late. Not only do Ezra and Isaiah (and occasionally, even I have some work to do at home) have daily homework, but now Jeannie has gotten into the habit as well! She’s embarking on the “What will I do when I grow up” journey, and has begun taking classes on the path to becoming a trained Natural Nutritionist. You’ll have to talk with her about the exciting details, but she is enjoying learning about the amazing bodies we live with each day – chemistry and all – and is loving every minute!

Hockey season is here…er…not here necessarily, as Kenya has yet to put together even a WHL team for this year. But, as usual, in the absence of the CBC’s coverage of HNIC on my television screen, I’ve joined the ARARSH (Annual Rosslyn Academy Regular Season Hockey Pool). In fact, Ezra and Isaiah and I are engaging in this most important Canadian rite of passage together, and so are eagerly anticipating each day’s new statistical breakdown of how well The Northern Pikes (don’t you love our team name:)) did last night. It’s fun, and hopefully will foster more togetherness and love of hockey in the boys.

Heat is a full-court press here these days, because it is DRY, DRY, DRY all over this beautiful country. The jacaranda trees are pushing out their purple flowers daily, but I think they’re forcing the issue in preparation for the much-awaited rains. Things are dire all over Kenya (see NY Times article http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/08/world/africa/08kenya.html?_r=1). Two nights ago, our tin roof finally felt a half-hour rain spell, but the daily heavy downpours of the usual “Long Rains” seem to be staying away, and today is another scorcher. We can only pray for rain as much of Kenya continues to suffer. Please join us in prayer!

Here’s an appropriate poem:

I was born in a drought year. That summer
my mother waited in the house, enclosed
in the sun and the dry ceaseless wind,
for the men to come back in the evenings,
bringing water from a distant spring.
veins of leaves ran dry, roots shrank.
And all my life I have dreaded the return
of that year, sure that it still is
somewhere, like a dead enemy’s soul.
Fear of dust in my mouth is always with me,
and I am the faithful husband of the rain,
I love the water of wells and springs
and the taste of roofs in the water of cisterns.
I am a dry man whose thirst is praise
of clouds, and whose mind is something of a cup.
My sweetness is to wake in the night
after days of dry heat, hearing the rain.
~ Wendell Berry

A big “Hey” to those that read,

It’s been a few months again since last I spoke about the happenings here in Nairobi for us, but we haven’t been that busy really – nothing totally new and exciting to report. I mean, there are the everyday things that keep us hopping, but nothing out of the ordinary. And, I’m not going to apologize or gloss over those facts, they are the facts that make up the whirlwind that is life. But, having said that, and remembering our state 5 years ago, when we still lived in Canada (yes, a while ago already), I can say with certainty that the pace of our lives, though still categorized as a whirlwind, is a much lesser form of whirlwind – maybe a category 2 WW, as opposed to a category 5 WW. Anyways, life here gets dull too…and who really takes pictures just to take pictures when nothing new is happening (besides teenagers, who seem to have a compulsion to see themselves on the picture window of their own phones and cameras more than I love to see doritos and salsa)? Anyway, you’ll find new updated pictures on the gallery – check them out.

A few cool things I guess I could report, and so I will do so in short order: Julia has all paperwork necessary for Canada travel this summer, and so with our passports being stamped and approved for re-entry, we are good to go for our summer in Canada! Yes! Victory! Can’t wait to see you all, and some of our great country. Included in the plans – fishing (the boys must catch their first fishes this summer!), camping, driving, lots of cousin interaction, coffee or tea with many of you, significant and fun conversation, memory making, and Tim Horton’s Iced Capuccinos (I’ve heard they have more flavors now…ai yi yi).

Here, in the last few months I’ve gone on CFS with a bunch of 11th graders, and built a Sand Dam in rural Kenya (a good time if you can get there!). We’ve had Field Day at school, had Isaiah’s 8th birthday party, gone again to Sunrise Acres for a few days or RnR (at least for the kids), and I just got back from an overnight campout / hike with the boys to Hell’s Gate. Good stuff there.

The regular grind includes lots of home time (yay!), barbequeing and enjoying our back porch in the hot ‘summer months of January and February), iced coffees and hot ones when applicable, school and accompanying work at home, dress up time for Princess Julia, workouts for Jean (not Wes…I know I know…), volleyball coaching once again, church at ICF (Int. Chr. Fellowship here on the RA campus), first-sunday-of-the-month Mennonite Hymn Sing at the Mennonite Guest House, good laughs with friends and good times at home.

We are so much looking forward to breaking up the ‘everyday blues’ and seeing ‘new’ faces again this summer! A much needed change (and much needed shopping trips again!) is upon us in only a month and a half. So, hopefully we’ll see you then! Thank you for your continued prayers!!!

Peace, here in Kenya and wherever you are,
Wes and Jeannie, Ez, Zay and Jewel

Well, the parental visit was a huge blessing to us, and hopefully they had an amazing time here in Nairobi and around Kenya. We did so many things, and saw so much with them (not everything of course!), that it would take too long, and probably bore the pants off you to hear about every little thing we did together with them. But, if you’re really interested, feel free to talk to Mom and Dad when you get the chance (they are savvy emailers too!), they’d love to talk to you about it, I’m sure! As it was, we reveled in their nearness to us during the Christmas season – and loved having them over for food and copious games of Scrabble.

Some interesting facts about their visit:
- Dad checked the temperature back home in Winnipeg at least twice a day when possible.
- Temps here varied about 5 degrees between the days – hot and sunny every day.
- We played Scrabble on a picnic table on New Year’s Day in front of the most beautiful spring-fed pond you’ve ever seen
- We saw elephants, giraffes, baboons, monkeys, and a rhino — and that was just inside Nairobi city limits!
- Jean is probably the best cook I’ve ever met — the hostess with the mostess. I don’t think m and d have ever eaten as many veggies as they did this Christmas
- The Massai Mara must be seen and experienced – one of the most amazing places on earth!

So much more could be said, explained and elucidated upon, but suffice it to say that we think Mom and Dad had a great adventure with us, as we celebrated the birth of our savior together. What a great joy it was to show them around our home, our workplaces, and some of our regular and not-so-regular haunts. Thanks for your prayers for them, and for us, as we gallivanted around the countryside, and as they traversed the globe.

Now, starting Monday for me, it’s back to the grind – but it’s not so bad, I guess. Gotta work sometime! Have a great new year, and blessings be upon you and yours.
Til next time,
The Enns’ in Kenya

Anyone and everyone who has read any blog entries, you must read this one! Finally, after months of planning and waiting, my parents have arrived here in Nairobi! You could call it The Incredible Journey, or Into Africa…or something equally literary and stimulating…but, whatever you call it, they’re living it! So, thank you for your prayers and concern for them as they traveled across the miles.

Jean and I (and Ez and Zay too) had a long journey of our own to pick them up – what usually takes us about 45 minutes took us a little over 3 hours yesterday as we ran into some heavy traffic. It was simply awe inspiring (we registered a high 9 on the Shock and Awe factor!) as we watched 2 lanes become 8, and oncoming cars ventured into where they shouldn’t venture. But, we were so thankful (as the time kept passing – 2 hours in first gear) that our friends the Epps had arrived at the airport an hour earlier, and so were there to meet mom and dad, and sit (and have coffee) with them while they waited for us. So, hours later than we expected, we found them and welcomed them to Kenya. What followed was another amazing sight, as we turned around and headed home. NO TRAFFIC! Strange, yet that is what Nairobi, and often Kenya is – expect the unexpected.

So, another week of school, lots of talking and walking, and sleeping ahead for our guests – we’ll keep you posted with pictures on our adventures with them. Til then, thank you again for remembering us in your prayers and thoughts, and sending the occasional email.

Wishing peace for you this Christmas,
The Enns’ in Kenya

Here’s a poem that a former student brought to my attention. I don’t usually do this kind of thing on the blog, but I thought it was such an incredible poem – saying so many good things – I thought I’d post it:

As Kingfishers Catch Fire
by Gerard Manley Hopkins (1918)

As king fishers catch fire, dragonflies draw flame;
As tumbled over rim in roundy wells
Stones ring; like each tucked string tells, each hung bell’s
Bow swung finds tongue to fling out broad its name;
Each mortal thing does one thing and the same:
Deals out that being indoors each one dwells;
Selves — goes itself; myself it speaks and spells,
Crying What I do is me: for that I came.

I say more: the just man justices;
Keeps grace: that keeps all his goings graces;
Acts in God’s eye what in God’s eye he is —
Christ. For Christ plays in ten thousand places,
Lovely in limbs, and lovely in eyes not his
To the Father through the features of men’s faces.

It’s on my bulletin board in my classroom too…my students have commented on it this week and enjoyed it too. What do you think? Gerard Hopkins got game I’d say!

We’re now almost into December! Incredible how this school year has flown – it doesn’t hurt that my parents will be here in under two weeks! Yeehaw! Looking forward very much to showing them around, and having them under our roof for some time. The kids can’t wait to see G-Ma and G-Pa too. I’m dreaming of a Green Christmas??! Right now, the kids are watching a wee bit of a video, and I’ve been searching online for some good Advent ideas for us this year. Maybe we’ll try to make an Advent Wreath to go with our readings and such this year…this Sunday (the 30th) is the first Sunday of Advent – early this year seems like – so don’t forget to light them candles! I think I’ve found some good ideas and readings, so it should be fine and good, especially after the tree is up (this weekend hopefully) and the lights are all twinkling madly.

Since I last wrote, we also celebrated Julia’s 3rd birthday (pics to be posted soon hopefully), which was great fun, AND – this is truly a “FINALLY!” moment – Jean just received an email from the Canadian High Commission here in Nairobi that Julia is now a ****CANADIAN****! Yes! Blessings all ours with ten thousand beside!

So, with happy hearts and eyes atwinkle, we wish you a happy and significant advent season, and a meaningful Christmas celebration -
Wes, Jean, Ezra, Isaiah, and Julia (the canuck!)

So, again, it’s been a while since I last connected with you (maybe there are a few of you who still check this thing every once in a while). The start up of this school year has felt particularly crazy, but now I think we’re getting back in the groove and can breathe a little more easily.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about what keeps people connected to each other – as I’m working with seniors very closely this year especially. These young men and women are prepping to get out of high school, leave their homes, and go to a country that they probably have had very little exposure to, in order to go to college or work. What’s going to keep them connected to their friends, their family, their faith?

Jean (and me a little too…though I have to catch up a bit) has been reading a very intriguing book called Hold On To Your Kids. Among other things, it talks about how we as parents (and teachers) really need to forge (and continue to build) points of connection with our kids, students – and to make sure that they are getting their main messages from us, rather than their peers. Not that peers are bad…but…why look for answers from someone that probably doesn’t know any more than you do? I would encourage you to read it, if you’re at all interested.

But, it got me thinking about connection points between kids and adults, between friends, between parents and kids. And, being out here in Nairobi doesn’t really help me to connect very well with those of you across the ocean – it’s hard to get together yknow? And, yet, when we lived in Canada, I can remember finding so very difficult to connect with people – even those in my family in the same city, and those I called my closest friends – and we lived only minutes away. Here, at least on campus, we have an opportunity to connect a little easier with those we work with…but, it brings up the question again. Why, if we need and seek connection with others, is it often so hard to make this happen?

I’m hoping that this year, you’ll be able to connect in a real and positive way with those you’d like to have as part of your lives: your kids, your friends, your parents, your co-workers, your pastor, your grandmother. I’m hoping that we can do the same out here – whether that means occasional expensive phone calls, easy-going emails, hanging out around the fire late at night, or taking my kids out for lunch and a game of pool. If we’re seeking connection, what’s holding us back from jumping in there and holding on to those we love?

It’s finally here – summer (or, in the case of Nairobi, Winter!), which is basically synonymous with outdoor grilling. Yes, my goal for this summer is an ambitious one – to cook / grill everything that I possibly can. Have the outer limits of this cooking method been tested? Probably. But, in pursuit of knowledge, in this case especially, I feel the compulsion to actually experience in order to fully know. And so, with mini spatula and horsey matches, this is the challenge before me – my quest, if you will: to barbeque. Is barbequed oatmeal possible? Grilled popcorn? Flame broiled spaghetti? I think so, yes.

Now some of you might be thinking: what will Jean think of all this? Nothing to fear, for she is not here! She’s off galavanting across the Canadian countryside, visiting her sisters, brothers, friends, parents, and probably some others along the way for 4 weeks, leaving me bereft, and to my own devices. It just so happens that my favorite device is the newly acquired bbq that is now sitting on the back deck of our house, and so, with her laughing approval (which I took to mean full support), she bade me “good luck with that”. I’ll keep you posted.

Meanwhile, the kids and I will be filling our days with trips to the playground, shooting some stick at village, movies, a few small projects around school and home, and friends. Nothing really on the schedule, and so the days should roll gently by this summer, give or take a few hiccups along the way. And, speaking of hiccups, I should get to the dishes before the ants carry away our new plates. Hope you’re all well – prayers always appreciated.

Flip me over when I’m done,
Wes

It is the rainy season here again – and about time too! Things were getting a little crispy on the edges since the rains were taking their sweet jolly time getting here. But, now, every night, the clouds bloom and drop their cargo on Nairobi, and things are greening up nicely. It’s also “Spring” break right now, and so I have a few minutes to update the blog a bit, and tell you all how things are going over here.

We just got back from spending a couple of nights at Mayer’s Ranch, a very beautiful spot about an hour from Nairobi, in the Kedong Valley near the Rift. What an amazing place. It’s actually a farm where they bottle their own water (for sale), and have a river running through their property. Gorgeous views, fun for the kids (swimmin’ with the fishes), and relaxation to beat the band (although, let’s face it…with 3 kids, who’s relaxin’ long?). A great place we’ll definitely return to. I’ll try to get some pics up soon, so check if you’ve got a couple of minutes.

And speaking of good times and swimming, the kids are regulars at the Rosslyn pool these days. If it’s open, we’ll be there! They’re getting really good, and love being in the water – not so much Jewel yet, but she’s getting there too. What a great thing to have only 2 minutes walk from our house. Who said we were suffering out here in Kenya?! It’s pretty sweet. In only a few months, school will be done for the year, and we’ll be spending some quality time hanging out here on campus, enjoying the pool and the cooler weather as much as possible. Although that will officially be “winter” here (starting June), Jean and I love love love the cool cloudy rainy weather that time of year. Call us crazy.

Other things? Nothing really new to report – work is fine and good (although with more grading due to picking up the AP English course), I’m still involved in music – both at church and chapels, family is mostly healthy (off and on, like always), Zaya’s losing his front teeth, Ezra is a monster huge boy, and Julia’s continuously making us laugh with her newest antics, words, and her sunny disposition. We’re in a “good season” right now, and thankful to God for it. With the political (and social) upheaval behind us for the most part, things here are calm and positive, and Kenya is once again looking to boost its economy with improved tourism and trade practices. Time will tell, though.

As you continue to pray for us, please remember our health and safety, a good finish to a good school year, and continued spiritual growth. For Kenya, only God can continue to restore and repair relationships between leaders and tribes. Pray for those displaced by the violence, and for the men, women and children affected.

Thanks for your help and support!
Blessings -
Wes, Jean and the kids

I can’t recall if there really is a saying about the new year coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb…or if that was March. It really doesn’t matter…I’m not that picky about being right. But, it seemed to be fitting, and I thought of it in the last 10 seconds, which is why it’s the title of this entry. First of all, let me say that I’m sorry to those faithful few who still read this blog for the long intermission between postings. Thanks for tuning in again…

So, as many of you know, Kenya has entered 2008 like a lion – “unrest” is a popular term here these days, and has been since the “election” in December. I’m not an expert on all that has gone on – but there are many out there who have written and continue to document all of the thoughts, feelings, disturbances, and tragedies that have tainted the image of Kenya over the last month. Truly, there is pain here, as 250,000+ are now left homeless, living in camps and surviving day to day without hope of going home. And, that reflects only one of the many issues that now plague this beautiful country and its people. My advice to you, if you are interested in learning more, is to not rely on the Western news for all of your information. Oftentimes, sensational stories win out over actual truth, and catch phrases and buzz words take the place of more seasoned perspective. I’ve learned that there is often a much more personal side to what has gone on here. I know Kenyans love their country, and I know that they are in pain.

We were in Canada visiting family and friends (we saw many of you!) as this situation began, and have only just a week ago returned to our home here. We are safe, as the violence and rioting have been restricted to the slum areas of Nairobi and Western provinces and towns. From all indications, and all I’ve spoken with, things are calming down. The focus now is on those displaced and in need of aid and shelter.

To turn to other things, our White Christmas was amazing. So many of our family and friends put up with us taking over their homes, eating their food, and monopolizing their time. But, we have memories that will last us a lifetime. Julia is still singing Jingle Bells these days – a great reminder of the good times in Canada. The kids almost got their fill of snow, cold, snowmobiling, skating and sledding. They loved the time they spent playing with their cousins, grandparents, uncles and aunts. Jean and I had so much fun just hanging out with everyone, and of course, shopping and re-outfitting with things that we just can’t get out here. Trust me, the list was long. But we managed to get it out here with us, so that was a blessing. All in all, it was a great trip.

School started last Monday, but since rallies were scheduled for Wed-Fri, school was cancelled for those days. With lots of “packets” of homework to do, the boys did school at home in the mornings, and swam in the new school pool in the afternoons. This sounds slick, but let’s just say the homework times were a little ‘tense’. Hopefully, we won’t have too many more school disruptions before May…

I’ll try to post some new pictures today. Unfortunately, we had some camera issues over the last few months, so we don’t have as many pics as many would like. I’ll try to get a cross-section up today if I can, to at least give you some glimpses.

Thank you for your prayers, not only for us, but also for Kenya. We need to leave it in God’s hands every day.
Wes