In like a lion?
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