By Wes (July 18, 2010 @ 6:13 am)
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’.
By Wes (June 3, 2010 @ 4:02 am)
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’
By Wes (May 1, 2010 @ 1:10 am)
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’
By Wes (March 17, 2010 @ 5:56 am)
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!
By Wes (December 25, 2009 @ 8:59 am)
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’
By Wes (October 10, 2009 @ 4:05 am)
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
By Wes (October 5, 2009 @ 5:08 am)
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
By Wes (April 13, 2009 @ 7:18 am)
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
By Wes (January 11, 2009 @ 6:13 am)
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
By Wes (December 12, 2008 @ 6:43 am)
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
By Wes (November 28, 2008 @ 7:28 am)
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!)
By Wes (October 11, 2008 @ 1:20 am)
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?
By Wes (June 17, 2008 @ 5:48 am)
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
By Wes (March 28, 2008 @ 3:48 am)
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
By Wes (January 20, 2008 @ 3:39 am)
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
By Wes (November 28, 2007 @ 10:08 am)
…of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know…man, I could sing the whole song and it would all be true. We are indeed only a couple of weeks (minus a day or two) from planting our feet onto the frozen ground of Canada! We are all a-tizzy with excitement about getting back to our families and friends, introducing Julia to the family that she has only heard about (and seen pictures of), and enjoying the cold white snow of home (hopefully there is some of that white stuff around!). What could be better than hunkering down in front of the fireplace with family we haven’t seen in a long, long time, and enjoying just being together? And at a time of year that memories are made of? It seems like God had special plans for us all along, when he helped us get through the disappointment of not getting back home for a long summer break…and this was what he was saving for us – the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the savior of the world, with those that we care about most. He is truly good to us.
So, as we anticipate our travels, do our Christmas shopping, get the last minute school things done, and all of that, we know that things will be just as busy, if not busier, over on the other side of the pond. We’ve got some business stuff to take care of (some things you just can’t do over email!), and a lot of outfitting to do (the equatorial sun sure does a number on cotton shirts!). So, that, on top of spending as much time as we can with fam and pals will make for a whirlwind tour of the two most favored prairie provinces. We can’t wait!!
So, since this’ll be the last post before our trip and our best Christmas ever (or at least, in the last 3 years), we wish you God’ s richest blessings and goodness during the Christmas season, and a magnificent new year.
Wes and Jeannie, and the kids.
By Wes (August 18, 2007 @ 5:46 am)
Yes indeed, time to update the blog for one thing! New pictures are in the gallery, so be sure to follow the link and check them out.
Time again to update you on where we are at in terms of Julia’s adoption and the like. Happily, all is finished, and we have her travel papers in hand! Lookout white Christmas, here we come! We are very much looking forward to travelling North to colder climes for the holidays, but most importantly, to be able to see our families once again. We have a temporary travel Visa (visitor Visa) for Julia, and have applied for her citizenship. The citizenship process takes about 8 months or so, and then after that, we’ll apply for her Canadian passport…so by the end of school year 2008 we hope, all will be accomplished. It has been tough at times, miraculous at times – thanks for sticking with us!
As we look back over the summer that was (or winter, as the weather indicates here in June and July), we can easily say with all truthfulness that we had a great holiday – which is saying a lot! Considering that we were basically alone on campus (most went on furlough), had to deal with the disappointment of not getting to Canada, the prolongation of our adoption, etc…it could’ve been rough. But, after a few days of ‘dealing’, we decided to make the best of it. And then, we got into a great relaxing rhythm, and the days – though not full – passed joyfully. A lot of family time, and new friends. In hindsight, it was just what we needed to give up control and rushing the process, and just to live and exist. And it was good.
It is also time to get back to school! As most of you are only beginning to think about school supplies, lesson plans, and homework, we are fully immersed in the new school year. What a big week it was – so we’re taking this weekend to take a much needed break before plunging back into the fray. Both Ezzie’s and Zay’s new teachers are great (candy is a fantastic way to get young students over to your side!), and they are beginning to feel more at home in their new classrooms.
So, in the meantime, in the between time, we strive to do our best at what we do (whether it be learning to read, do multiplication tables, plan meals and look after kids, or teaching stories and ideas), while we look forward with great expectation to celebrating Christ’s birthday with our dear families. I’m sure the next four months will fly by. Feel free to drop us an email to let us know how you’re doing. We always love to hear from you!
Till next time,
Wes (for Jean, Ez, Zay and Jewel).
By Wes (June 29, 2007 @ 10:47 pm)
Recent events in our lives have prompted me to think about the power and nature of prayer, and in specific the prayers of kids. Our boys, and especially Ezra, have been praying for Julia’s adoption to “go through smoothly”. Literally, this number one prayer request has been prayed for twice a day at home (and once a school each day in his grade 2 class) for a year and a half. Add all of those up, and that is a hefty prayer petition before our Father God. We know that this item has been on the prayer lists of you all as well…
And yesterday, we finally had a piece of good news – REALLY good news! Julia is now, officially, an Enns!! It’s been a long Kenyan road (which, as you know, has huge potholes and washouts along it), but yesterday the judge announced that he approves of Julia’s adoption into our family, and so according to Kenyan law, she is ours forever.
Ezra and Zay were ecstatic (how could they help it with all the jumping around and hugging going on?!), and we remarked how their prayers had been answered. We’ve been talking to them all along about what to do with unanswered prayers, as we were seeing that things in her adoption were not going ‘smoothly’ as Ezzie prayed everyday. But, what if they did go smoothly, and we just didn’t know it? We are so thankful for the answer that God has provided for our prayers, and that we can be assured that Julia will continue to be part of our blessed family.
So, to bring you up to speed, this event is huge, but by no means signifies the ‘end’ of all things Julia. The judgement needs to be documented, and submitted to the permanent records. Then, we’ll be needing to start work on other paperwork and documentation in order for her to recieve her Kenyan travel papers (like a passport), so we can then apply for Canadian visa / passprt / citizenship. Much of this process is unknown at this point, as things are changing in the Canadian bureaucracy re: adoptions processed outside Canada. We could just get a travel visa for her, but this process would take at least 5 weeks, and since school here starts for me on Aug. 7, this precludes us coming home this summer. We hope, however, to all be able to come at Christmas, and so will be working towards that end. We’re not sure of how it will all work out, but we know that with continued prayer and your support, God will come through for us again.
Feel free to drop us a line – we really enjoy hearing from you. I’ll try to get some pictures up next week…
The Enns’
By Wes (June 12, 2007 @ 2:39 pm)
To be quick and to the point…for those of you that haven’t yet heard, our judgement day did not occur on Friday, June 8th – that is to say, the day happenned, but our judgement did not. Long story short, the judge did not rule on our case, and then went on vacation for two weeks. So, we are now waiting until June 29th to hear the ruling. After which, we can begin the paperwork. Can you say frustrating? I knew you could.
So, here we are, beautiful Nairobi on a nearly deserted campus – and it’s really not so bad. The weather is fantastic, we have the run of the place, and our family is together. We also seem to have some pretty fast internet right now! 
So, we continue to wait, and think about when we will be able to get back to Canada for a visit. With the late judgement, and then at least 5 weeks of paperwork to get Julia out of the country, it looks bleak for a summer sprint out West. But, we continue to process and think and plan and dream. We pray that God will lead us to the decisions that he wants us to make. And in the meantime, we strive to be content in our circumstances, regardless of what they be. We are reminded that things are worse for other families adopting here, and we are blessed daily by the glory and sunshine of our kids (all 3 of them!).
Thanks for praying for us, in all the ways that God has shown you how to pray. Your encouragement to us is immeasurable. I’ll try to get back to you in July to let you know how things stand then. Till then –
The Enns Clan
By Wes (June 6, 2007 @ 4:45 am)
I’ve been thinking about golf lately (this is not new news). But, interestingly, the game closely it resembles our adoption process of our beloved Jewel.
The goal of golf, like that of adoption, at times, seems like an impossible task. How in the name of all that is good is it possible that I will be able to smack a very small white ball from one point to another 500 yards distant, and coerse it into a cup about the size of a good sized coffee mug? With my swing, sometimes it seems like it is impossible. And yet, sometimes, things seem to mesh well, the ball goes in approximately the right geographic direction, and the number of swats is well within the appropriate range (at least for me). And, so, you eventually find yourself walking up to the 18th tee, looking back to see where you’ve come, and noting that you still have some work to do. The last hole is an imposing one – water on both sides and behind the green. But, the big dog has been good to you so far today, and so you get out the big stick. Looking ahead, there is much to do, and much depends on your next steps. And even after the last hole, there is the paperwork to do – signing the card, paying off all your debts that you incurred in the silly moments of the round, thanking the rest of your foursome, and then actually getting into your car and driving home in a less than reckless fashion.
This is where we are now…on the 18th teebox. Much to do yet, but the end seems to be just around the corner. On Friday, we will hear the judge’s verdict about our adoption of Julia (either ‘it’s all good’ or ‘here’s a little more to do’). Then, begins the arduous task of getting the adoption order completed, procuring the necessary travel papers, and going to the high commision to get Canadian travel approval. Much depends on these steps, and they are by no means easy ones to take. But, we are doing what we can to ensure that they get done as quickly as possible, by asking for some strategic help. And then, and only then, will we be able to get on that plane to Canada. It will be a rush of a month, with times of high stress and quick decisions. Please pray with us towards us being able to get things done, for the Kenyan adoption proceedings to be efficient (this may be asking a lot, but its worth a shot) and quick, and for us to make the right decisions at the right times.
I’ll keep you posted about what happens on Friday!
Hoping for a birdie,
The Enns’
