A Kalacha Christmas

Merry Christmas!
This was my first Christmas away from my family...ever. It was a good reminder to focus on what Christmas really is about--Christ's birth. More than ever, this year I realize just how desperate my need for Him is!!!

So, to celebrate Christ's birth, I feasted with my teammates, attended a Christmas Eve 9pm-midnight church service (with fireworks!!!), went swimming, and ate cranberry sauce from Zanzibar...not in that order!
(Nothing compares with najifka, though. Oh, my naji! :)




Our decorated church on Christmas morning! Note the lights! They were doing a drama of the Christmas story.




Look at Herod's awesome shades!








Steve, Angie, and baby Ezekiel. (Pray for baby--he just broke his arm.)




I know I shouldn't make fish faces in church, but look at my little sister (Jillo's) reaction to it!



After Christmas morning church, we all gathered outside for chai and mandazi.

Back in the Saddle Again

*Whew*
Vacation month is over and I'm back in Kalacha for my first Christmas away from home! I'm happy to be home, but I do miss my Indiana Christmas. :)



Look! Flowers arrived near Kalacha due to November rains!!!



Look at all the green! (I'm being serious!)



I bargained for these earrings in Gabra and the man gave me the nickname "Mama Kalacha!"



Enjoying my new nephew, little Ezekiel! :)



My language helper did my hair. She said, "By the end of the day, you'll have a Gabra husband!"



Hanging out with some friends at Kalacha Goda



Thank you for your cards!



Do you see yours?!?!



My Advent Wreath



Chapatis and Potato Soup
(Monique, I'm learning how to cook!!)



It was even good enough to serve to a guest!



My sisters watching "The Lion King"



Our 'shamba'=garden (Thanks, Kelsey, for the green!!!)

Happy Thanksgiving! and Happy Birthday, Dad!

It's 2am, but I needed to tell you all how grateful I am for all of you who look at my blog. Tomorrow our team is heading back to Kalacha after being away for a month on vacation and attending conferences. I'm ready to get back home. :) As always, Charmyn can give you the details. Ha, ha. Enjoy the photos!



Opening a care package with friends to share in the joy!!! (Thank you, Trinity!!!)




Look closely..."Hi Barb NUM 6:25" :) Personalized M&M's!!! (Yes, everyone was jealous!)




Drip sand castles in Mombasa are fairly difficult to make!




My first hair cut from a stylist other than my sister!



I'm happily 'cast away'! Notice the TWO shores...that's right, the tide is going away and a little island of sand is forming! I LOVED the Coast!




I was so proud of these shoes! They lasted 4 months. (Didn't Forrest Gump have something to say about shoes?!?)

Happy Birthday...let's go get some FIREWOOD!

(This one's for you, Dad!)
I spent my birthday with my Kalacha family and felt right at home watching the sunset over mountains in Africa. *sigh*



My birthday sunset in the Chalbi Desert. *sigh*


The following day...




Getting FIREWOOD with friends. (Robe w/panga) The whole process took about 4 hours.



My first FIREWOOD adventure! It's so BEAUTIFUL in Kalacha!



Look carefully--Dub is up in a tree cutting down branches for us to gather!



Dub came out of the tree to help me carry some sticks!



I'm trying to smooth down the branches b/c they are loaded with 2-inch long thorns. EEK!



Load her up!








I'm 28 and feeling like a SUPERWOMAN!!




Robe, Charmyn, and me. Being Gabra is fun!

Life goes on.

I know, I know. It's been over a month.
But you still love me!
HA!

Enjoy some more images from Kalacha.



Our lunch guests enjoying Mandazi dessert! YUMMY.



A journal morning at Kalacha Goda. *sigh*



Honey, I'll take the camel for a walk this morning!



Our daily visitor who will surely be a Gabra superstar!



The mzungu way of hauling water! :)



A recent trip to Lake Turkana, which is known for its crocodiles. Yes, we took a dip!

My prayer

Maybe it's because I've been more connected through email and phone calls with people back home in July, or because I've been getting more mail, or spending time just reflecting on what's going on in the world, but I am realizing that life is moving forward...and I am not the same.

I am not the same.

I am not the same.

When I see pictures of my nieces and nephews at the beach, riding bikes, swimming, and just GROWING (!) I really miss them. But I know that I am away at such a time as this for some higher purpose. I ache a little bit, but I rest. I rest. Rest. The ache leads me into the arms of Him who loves me and I begin to see. I don't know quite what I see, but I see light. Goodness wrapped up in light. While the Lord is revealing His Goodness to me here in Kalacha, I'm believing He's showing my family back home, too.

I don't need to be there to know He's working there.
I know He is.
Keep at it, Lord!!! :)

Missing Maminka

I was dreaming of my mom last night.
I could hear her voice and see her smile.
It was healing.



Maminka w/ baby Evelynn



My Tata and Maminka


So, I wonder...does anyone want to come out to Kalacha and visit me?!!!
YOU ARE ALL MOST WELCOME!