tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65561251646113784052024-03-13T09:38:58.469-07:00Still FurtherThe good news must go still further.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243986193130967655noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556125164611378405.post-78694761999605074692017-10-26T05:30:00.004-07:002017-10-26T05:30:43.428-07:00Election Day Prayers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/world/africa/la-fg-kenya-election-crisis-20171025-story.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaHkGMRwfQ-NSoJndwwjUyRVZHoiT87dsg3ha-kRgs45uSpa0UdS4fK-53yF9KM52pOAmJgPsWF88ikNhn8MjWIF_-WlLXEiFRUbzuTsh0j8c4b6TBFrHo08gLKlbOTgg6wwfJiQ4s_M/s400/Kenya+protest.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/world/africa/la-fg-kenya-election-crisis-20171025-story.html" target="_blank">Protestor this morning in Nairobi.</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 25px;"><strong><span style="font-family: "courier new", courier, "lucida sans typewriter", "lucida typewriter", monospace;"><span style="color: #2baadf;"><span style="font-weight: normal; text-size-adjust: 100%;"><a href="http://www.latimes.com/world/africa/la-fg-kenya-election-crisis-20171025-story.html" target="_blank">Kenya's democracy is tested as protests spread over disputed rerun election. - LA Times</a></span></span></span></strong></span></h1>
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Please pray today - throughout the day - for the Prince of Peace to reign in Kenya. The people are going to the polls for a second time in 60 days because the Supreme Court annulled the first election in August due to improprieties and irregularities. <br /><br />The problem today is the opposition leader has withdrawn from the election due to what he considers insufficient election reforms and he asking his large following to boycott the election in hopes the Supreme Court will declare the second election invalid as well.<br /><br />There is potential of protests, violence, and civil unrest from Parliament all the way down to police and health care unions. The picture above, and the headline are a link to an article summarizing the situation in the LA Times but if you google Kenya today you will find plenty of information. <br /><br />This email is not intended to cause alarm, our family is safe in our compound and in our neighborhood, but the vast majority of Kenyans are not so fortunate. Pray also that if King Jesus allows for chaos that our organization would be ready to be the hands and feet of Jesus serving and helping the ones who need it. <br /><br />A few weeks ago I taught a Sunday School lesson from Proverbs 24:10-12 and this passage is applicable today for my family, for other families in our organization, and for the many Kenyan churches who have a chance to be the aroma of Christ in the midst of violence and clashes in a hurting and divided nation. </div>
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<br /><em><strong>If you faint in the day of adversity,<br />your strength is small.<br />Rescue those who are being taken away to death;<br />hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.<br />If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,”<br />does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?<br />Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it,<br />and will he not repay man according to his work? </strong></em><br /><strong>Proverbs 24:10-12 (ESV)</strong></div>
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Pray for peace, but pray if that violence and protest erupt, that his people would rise to the occasion to bless the city.<br /><br />We love you each and thank you for lifting our family and ministry up the throne of heaven. We know he hears our prayers and is pleased when we place all of our faith in his sovereign control over not just Kenya but the universe!<br /><br />I will try to keep you update from the ground over the next few days. <br /><br />Pressing forward,<br /><br />Stephen</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243986193130967655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556125164611378405.post-59035320469573651722016-04-11T07:43:00.002-07:002016-04-11T09:15:07.930-07:00Now I Know Why People Here Have 2 Spare Tires<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In what has become the normal for our family in Africa, things have been a little crazy.<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Move to a new house - check</li>
<li>Injury requiring stitches - check</li>
<li>10 hour car rides with 4 kids - check</li>
<li>2 tire blowouts stranding you on the side of an African road (on the same trip) - check</li>
<li>Involuntary meetings with traffic police - check</li>
<li>Days without water in your new house - check</li>
<li>Kids shooting people with guns - check</li>
<li>Trainings and out of town trips requiring Sarah to single parent - check</li>
<li>Sickness and hospital visits - check</li>
<li>Power outages but your generator won't work - check</li>
<li>Calendar with zero rhythm or consistency - check</li>
</ul>
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It is April in Nairobi and the short rains have started. It's warm and the end of school is just around the corner (and so is our 6 month visit to the States). We can almost taste Chic-fil-A, Outback, and breakfast at the Guignard Diner.<br />
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Our three year term in Africa has seen its share of twists and turns. I have had smoother rides on Space Mountain. Multiple moves, a new language, new schools, new friends, new cultures, multiple new supervisors, injury, malaria, four children, multiple new pets, new cars, new sides of the road, new traffic laws, new strategies, and new family back home (that we all haven't met yet)!<br />
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But in all of that - God has demonstrated his constant faithfulness. Our family and friends, new and old, in Kenya and in the States have loved us, prayed for us, served us, given to us, encouraged us, and partnered with us to accomplish the task we were given. Our singular desire when we left Sumter in 2011 was follow God and be pleasing to him.<br />
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The first three months of 2016 have simply been a continuation of that pursuit - though it rarely takes us where we think it will! In January and February Sarah was not feeling well. She was lethargic, had chest pains, stomach issues, and a near constant head cold. Finally she went to see a doctor and after a couple of weeks of tests (all kinds), she was diagnosed with allergy induced asthma. This was probably due to mold in the house we were living in (it was rainy season) and the asthma produced reflux and the constant head cold. Faced with all of that information, the Lord was gracious that the company had a another vacant house (recently vacated due to the company's voluntary retirement incentive) that didn't have any roof leaks or mold problems. Though we hated the thought of another move, we are thankful for God's provision of another house that is more than we need on a safe and secure compound.<br />
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Since Christmas we have hosted a two teams from SC that were overwhelming blessings for our entire family. We had chance to serve with them, laugh with them, and pray with them. I also had a chance to return to Mombasa on the coast with some national friends - we met some of my old friends and did some work together in strategic areas and had fun learning from each other about how we go about our work in different areas. Watching a couple of 40+ year olds see the ocean for the first time and play in the waves was worth the 11 hour drive down to the coast! In addition to my time in Mombasa, I also had a chance to go to a training near Nairobi where I learned some new things about training people to become trainers of others. <br />
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That left Sarah home alone but she is a rock and managed everything superbly. At least until our son who will remain unnamed shot a pellet gun at our night guard and the plastic pellet got lodged in his ear canal and Sarah couldn't get it out. So when I finally checked my phone at the conference and saw 342 missed calls from Sarah along with some text messages that I wouldn't want my kids to see, I realized something bad was happening. I braced myself and called Sarah to hear the story of how she had been unsuccessfully trying to get the pellet dislodged. I tried to offer some encouraging words but I don't think they helped much. The rest of the story is that the next day I had to hire a taxi to take the poor night guard to an ENT who was able to get the pellet out, without any permanent damage to our friend's hearing or ear!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKdba4vdr7SiSc3N04XUGvXwWr-2U2xuJ70-C612Kt-c70Md_ZxoNn4ZdRMbXYT5zFbbdfaRIPxPQJkXx4zSsp_LcuqpIcOSgnZCDuKoDe2aapIbaNXYZcJKItI-0AAMCxTtezdW3M7c/s1600/tire+change.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKdba4vdr7SiSc3N04XUGvXwWr-2U2xuJ70-C612Kt-c70Md_ZxoNn4ZdRMbXYT5zFbbdfaRIPxPQJkXx4zSsp_LcuqpIcOSgnZCDuKoDe2aapIbaNXYZcJKItI-0AAMCxTtezdW3M7c/s320/tire+change.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another roadside pit stop.</td></tr>
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All of that stress faded a little last week when went to the coast for a vacation. Well, the stress faded once we reached the hotel. It took about 3 hours into the 10 hour trip before we had our first tire blowout. It wasn't that big of a deal because I am the son of a tire man. I can change a tire in my sleep. It was no big deal. I pulled my jack and of course the lug wrench. It wasn't until I tried to put the lug wrench on a lug nut did I recognize a small (big) problem. <br />
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The lug wrench was too small. If anybody has any advice for taking off lug nuts without a lug wrench or any other tools I am all ears! By God's grace I spotted a fellow close by and asked him if he had a "spinner" as they call a lug wrench here. He said no, but he had a friend. So he called the friend and told me he would be here soon to help. My confidence was not too high. We settled in to wait for the friend to bring the wrench. I was thinking at least an hour....TIA (this is Africa). <br />
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God is so good - within 5 minutes 2 guys pull up on a boda boda (motorcycle) with a 4 way spinner and they wouldn't let me lift a finger. They dismounted the spare, switched the flat tire, and put everything back where it belonged in about 10 minutes. I thought, "well that was easy but they are gonna want to charge me a lot." So I asked "Shingapi?" or "how much to I owe you?". They looked at each other and I braced...."how about 500 Shillings?" they asked ($5). I gave them 1,000 ($10) and told them to give some to my friend who called them. Isn't God good? A flat tire in the middle of Africa and we were back on the road within 20 minutes with clean hands and it only costs $10!<br />
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It took another 6 hours to lose the second tire. We were 20 minutes from the hotel, the pool, and the beach. The hotel came to pick up the family and it took me a few hours to arrange some help. It was difficult as I didn't have a spare but before nightfall I found Sarah and the kids in the pool without their phones having a big time. Apparently they weren't too worried about me. Guess they trusted my CIA background.<br />
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The stories continue hear in Kenya - we look forward to sharing many of them when we hit the states later this summer. We look forward to sharing the ones with eternal significance and the ones which only have produced eternal laughter. We are excited to see many of you soon.<br />
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From Kenya,<br />
<br />
SLD Jr<br />
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Here a few pics of life here lately and our most recent trip to the coast.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXH6LUs-HJXuceYSKVH5pPQcwqr_2QCX710EfdjLZz8sZsyVUiIEYth3jPUapD3z-biSZlqvyE_9pf35ikfhCHcWOI7zVTud31KUeXuGW4S5lHdQPtgXxsTQMkyO8iLT5cRsx9oo_N28/s1600/DSC_0374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXH6LUs-HJXuceYSKVH5pPQcwqr_2QCX710EfdjLZz8sZsyVUiIEYth3jPUapD3z-biSZlqvyE_9pf35ikfhCHcWOI7zVTud31KUeXuGW4S5lHdQPtgXxsTQMkyO8iLT5cRsx9oo_N28/s320/DSC_0374.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asa before his middle school banquet. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMcxUznfvb2F70Z_14bVWofeDn25RknfMiMIzXXWVaK2vrYao3VcvbD2v6WE8xcRD2LIfVqvd-VcS8KwJ9_cq6BWlaQNLl4wL5HNwkO-FfgLN1ZQjHjaNnuZfpx-HmjVrGnLBRfh4jvU/s1600/DSC_0344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMcxUznfvb2F70Z_14bVWofeDn25RknfMiMIzXXWVaK2vrYao3VcvbD2v6WE8xcRD2LIfVqvd-VcS8KwJ9_cq6BWlaQNLl4wL5HNwkO-FfgLN1ZQjHjaNnuZfpx-HmjVrGnLBRfh4jvU/s320/DSC_0344.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asa during a basketball timeout, getting instruction from coach.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnawQFwa246BPKk0e02y_uMcIpGhfxsgg2KcpH9epPfL5uaNxxOtY1UeHMJslNK7QUBMwmd9h_JGM28rUbt0l_Xq2tbhu1yF4QqxtWVsAddbUzVF1DW_dKbFyh8RBxbXrT2DicGCmh6rE/s1600/DSC_0219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnawQFwa246BPKk0e02y_uMcIpGhfxsgg2KcpH9epPfL5uaNxxOtY1UeHMJslNK7QUBMwmd9h_JGM28rUbt0l_Xq2tbhu1yF4QqxtWVsAddbUzVF1DW_dKbFyh8RBxbXrT2DicGCmh6rE/s320/DSC_0219.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainey before her latest high school dance. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypYmctcdg3xXDNnyofoU5rg8X4Is2PbR-Y8TMgYBZTQuB_3zGgJShWQQFFFaKxNduCUl1db_iBYQHNqqfxF7jvpi0fMRAyD4QwKHOBd5aW5YhL_qpc0Mi6mVn__brJbTDQHrWhO1Hqh0/s1600/DSC_0514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypYmctcdg3xXDNnyofoU5rg8X4Is2PbR-Y8TMgYBZTQuB_3zGgJShWQQFFFaKxNduCUl1db_iBYQHNqqfxF7jvpi0fMRAyD4QwKHOBd5aW5YhL_qpc0Mi6mVn__brJbTDQHrWhO1Hqh0/s320/DSC_0514.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nehemiah at the beach.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSj1wYW9BYIRWGFOKDtj78jm-p8D__ApIvzC3Aan9O3OYVfFpCrnW-NqRf5PfwTnxqQ71LpDo83olasDl3Zt7VFVoxv5FpXNAxfizwfD9RJESWrWheOMGClIoNt5Yee5W4tdK2nOx4jHU/s1600/DSC_0546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSj1wYW9BYIRWGFOKDtj78jm-p8D__ApIvzC3Aan9O3OYVfFpCrnW-NqRf5PfwTnxqQ71LpDo83olasDl3Zt7VFVoxv5FpXNAxfizwfD9RJESWrWheOMGClIoNt5Yee5W4tdK2nOx4jHU/s320/DSC_0546.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best family pic we could find!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benny, exploring the tidal pools on the coast.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243986193130967655noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556125164611378405.post-50666595511658039172015-12-15T01:54:00.000-08:002015-12-15T02:08:24.809-08:00Simeon or Herod?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhleT84v75UimptICBkP7t30WlVojXAFMvFqntSwlOS38HNFoiuBzLW_YyNKTh8GD4FVhA_Fv8QJO2YjhZTE1WSXZQEz0qAUKUSdXd_2JTsXhFr1kliyBcb6b0xs-7MU1UhWCDdHRpe_NM/s1600/zebra+nairobi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhleT84v75UimptICBkP7t30WlVojXAFMvFqntSwlOS38HNFoiuBzLW_YyNKTh8GD4FVhA_Fv8QJO2YjhZTE1WSXZQEz0qAUKUSdXd_2JTsXhFr1kliyBcb6b0xs-7MU1UhWCDdHRpe_NM/s320/zebra+nairobi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Greetings from Kenya! We hope you are having a Merry Christmas. It doesn't feel much like Christmas here - 75 degrees and a little humid. However, thanks to the out of control western influence, when we visit the mall we see all the decorations and are reminded of the season.<br />
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Our Kenyan pastor recently preached on the birth of Jesus and Herod's reaction. The following Sunday I was able to share in another church about Simeon, the prophet who received baby Jesus in the temple when he was being dedicated to the Lord.<br />
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The contrast between the two reactions to Jesus' birth is amazing and should challenge us to examine how we actually respond to the gift of Jesus. Simeon and Herod both saw Jesus not just as an innocent baby born in humble surroundings. They both saw him for what he would become, King. However their response to the truth of his coming Kingship was remarkably different. Herod wanted none of it. He liked being King. He wanted to maintain power and control and wasn't going to relinquish it to anyone. Period. Even if he had to kill many innocent babies, he would not submit.<br />
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Simeon however, saw the truth about Jesus and was full of joy. He thanked God for his provision, for sending a Messiah. The Holy Spirit had told Simeon he would see the long awaited messiah before he died. When the Spirit led him to the temple and he sawa Jesus that day, he held him and praised God, even saying that he could die now that his eyes had seen the Savior.<br />
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Simeon not only was willing to submit to the Kingship of Jesus, but he was totally -100% at peace knowing that God has graciously kept his promise to deliver not only Israel, but all people from the bondage of sin. Simeon understood from the scriptures that man was separated from a Holy God because of our own sinful, selfish hearts and that we all would remain separated from him forever if we were not rescued and redeemed. Simeon knew that if we repented and believed, submitted ourselves to this Jesus who is our Savior, then we will be reconciled to our holy creator God.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4y6kcHdABhVLx2rnDobPqHxzVkv9c9LbcuP4VNfVfQN-PD-i__JoFSEKZPj8BRp_cOY0CDZC6CGDvPdK1Hh6jr18-y6sDlvflOmG4UYH9c0eJyFtjBgwJPmi_i1UnwmTzygrUdW3GC0U/s1600/IMG_5034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4y6kcHdABhVLx2rnDobPqHxzVkv9c9LbcuP4VNfVfQN-PD-i__JoFSEKZPj8BRp_cOY0CDZC6CGDvPdK1Hh6jr18-y6sDlvflOmG4UYH9c0eJyFtjBgwJPmi_i1UnwmTzygrUdW3GC0U/s320/IMG_5034.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A friend receives her first bible in <br />
her language.</td></tr>
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Today, what do our actions reveal about our response to Jesus? Have we joyfully and thankfully submitted to King Jesus? Or, are there parts of our life that we struggle to maintain power and control over? Are we still seeking the things our hearts desire rather than the things and paths that God desires for us? Do we still want to be in charge and to hear our own name rather than the name of Jesus?<br />
<br />
I know in my heart there are times that my flesh swells up and deeply desires to maintain power and control. I have to pray and ask the same Holy Spirit that led Simeon to lead me to a place of humility, surrender, and submission to the will of God as revealed in the scriptures.<br />
<br />
There is so much more to delve into with both Herod and Simeon, especially Simeon's declaration song about Jesus. But as we approach Christmas day, I pray my family and yours will be led by God's Holy Spirit to rejoice in the birth of Jesus who has made a way for our souls to be restored with our creator - finding joy and peace in surrendering to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.<br />
<br />
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_________________________________________________________________________________<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnvTeQcka74CgQymQM_q3kApyqe5huyUKdSbb6XUOjC-aON7n08gwNHJ0zkIgXtcr2KLxuDcGb1jd8I5b1q_vFoJRMMfcnVErxAGPaq4VKtApW_r0VTIf8typaY_s221Vc7QLHRlaz3w/s1600/IMG_4215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnvTeQcka74CgQymQM_q3kApyqe5huyUKdSbb6XUOjC-aON7n08gwNHJ0zkIgXtcr2KLxuDcGb1jd8I5b1q_vFoJRMMfcnVErxAGPaq4VKtApW_r0VTIf8typaY_s221Vc7QLHRlaz3w/s320/IMG_4215.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asa playing a soccer game with the Great Rift Valley <br />
and Mt. Suswa in the background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We are doing well in Kenya and our first term is drawing to a close. Next summer we will return to the states for about 6 months to visit with family, report to the many that have supported us, and get some rest. We look forward to that visit but we want to make the most of our next 6 months, not allowing what lays ahead to alter our focus.<br />
<br />
Our work continues to develop and grow. We are working weekly in several areas and we are seeing fruit and relationships grow. If you would like to hear more about our work and pray for us with specific projects and communities please email me at <a href="mailto:stephen.dinkins@gmail.com">stephen.dinkins@gmail.com</a> and I will add you to an email list and get you some additional information.<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas from Africa,<br />
<br />
SLD Jr<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XDVQGM52yvhcunrlQ4eQLKBkcw5-oEhIZ7veO_rUVkp3ymVt7upfGfGSzkyapucOSoTE3v4NS5udtE_WVT9Pout0N2f111fspTYodEU5GHtwq6f3fS4B8zJke8Wa4F3Du858bXNlAiw/s1600/IMG_4073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XDVQGM52yvhcunrlQ4eQLKBkcw5-oEhIZ7veO_rUVkp3ymVt7upfGfGSzkyapucOSoTE3v4NS5udtE_WVT9Pout0N2f111fspTYodEU5GHtwq6f3fS4B8zJke8Wa4F3Du858bXNlAiw/s320/IMG_4073.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset with Kilimanjaro from<br />
Amboselli Game Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhYJZvZW1v0hD-WTV2zJ4r1sFBdAAjekPkD2CULMWhX8uSGufuTIAy1D2nqLj-ukl4QhouPzYRNcnjv7vQ1n2ydCZaEXQfEZ1YVdMLPc1VLbjOMJNL6LNRGV29rFZTqJ75RoMWwwBaug/s1600/IMG_4123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhYJZvZW1v0hD-WTV2zJ4r1sFBdAAjekPkD2CULMWhX8uSGufuTIAy1D2nqLj-ukl4QhouPzYRNcnjv7vQ1n2ydCZaEXQfEZ1YVdMLPc1VLbjOMJNL6LNRGV29rFZTqJ75RoMWwwBaug/s200/IMG_4123.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah using her mad nursing skills <br />
at a traffic accident in town.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAwTZoep4LsLcUmLapVFPfw1aPXkfaXNfHkpYH0D2wFk1aAIX2o9ml9Z1se8acfQKFsRBy-uprMHD8elNR3S4SrWkU6x6Ac38mp9kxKrxiwsBRVMtEjp5RzO8GHquts5OiTsjEFsvGik/s1600/IMG_4826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAwTZoep4LsLcUmLapVFPfw1aPXkfaXNfHkpYH0D2wFk1aAIX2o9ml9Z1se8acfQKFsRBy-uprMHD8elNR3S4SrWkU6x6Ac38mp9kxKrxiwsBRVMtEjp5RzO8GHquts5OiTsjEFsvGik/s320/IMG_4826.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Nehemiah and Sarah before <br />NLD's christmas program at school. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgSLevX-h2t7RQBuybuYqhanc13TGDLNIvVwHLDKslaoVuY1kPG13rIYhK9d9wVn5v-7m79yhhVNTNmWQLeMGvc-dWXvTWP4qK2JY94LZBZGPWmZqL9FNccezNaXGBpD2MeFvadi0G28/s1600/IMG_5003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgSLevX-h2t7RQBuybuYqhanc13TGDLNIvVwHLDKslaoVuY1kPG13rIYhK9d9wVn5v-7m79yhhVNTNmWQLeMGvc-dWXvTWP4qK2JY94LZBZGPWmZqL9FNccezNaXGBpD2MeFvadi0G28/s200/IMG_5003.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainey's 15th birthday party with NLD<br />
and Benny. She had double party<br />
with a friend from Texas<br />
(thus the cowboy stuff)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243986193130967655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556125164611378405.post-11099219750965297572015-08-18T11:41:00.003-07:002015-08-18T11:41:59.680-07:00New Chapters and Sacrifice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmryGErKSmBJ9mhg_kOuVYkKp5pTcWnrfvomGPiI38vuboZhyphenhyphenp0zBEaNfljB2PASQ732qRRcX6LLxt_j-M3u9y77KYD76KVGXVdV9gLS29YPlq3dpBlNzTCZl7cAdm166HL_OlG7PYH0/s1600/Dinkins-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmryGErKSmBJ9mhg_kOuVYkKp5pTcWnrfvomGPiI38vuboZhyphenhyphenp0zBEaNfljB2PASQ732qRRcX6LLxt_j-M3u9y77KYD76KVGXVdV9gLS29YPlq3dpBlNzTCZl7cAdm166HL_OlG7PYH0/s320/Dinkins-8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every family needs a crazy picture right?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We are in our second week of school and all four of the kids are in new places. Rainey is now is high school - don't ask me how I came to be a parent of a freshman in high school. Asa started 6th grade and is now a "big" kid - soaking up the glory of middle school. As I type this he is at tryouts for the middle school boys soccer team. We are becoming more African every day! Nehemiah started his first day of school, entering 5K and he has had a terrific start - I am not aware of any detention yet. Of course this all leaves Benny in a new place too. He is home alone with no one to play with but our Great Dane, Angus. <br />
<br />
Quick story about Angus. We have met some awesome friends who live here in Nairobi with us and serve with another organization. They are also from SC (Greenville to be exact and they are Clemson fans - nobody is perfect) and also have four kids at the same school as ours. <br />
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</div>
<br />
They are Great Dane people. They love 'em. They had them in SC and they were able to find a pair here too. Last fall they bred the pair and had nine beautiful puppies that they were selling. The puppies were adorable and were bringing big prices. My kids fell in love with them but since we are on a modest budget (and because I have Dinkins genes) we were not going to be able to spend that kind of money on a dog. A couple of weeks before last Christmas the parents called us up and told us they wanted to give us a puppy. We told them we could not take a puppy - we knew what they could get for it and we did not want them to forgo the money. The dad asked us to look over at his minivan and he said, "you see that van? We have that van because some friends of ours in the states were selling a brood of high dollar Dane puppies and when they found out were going overseas they took every dollar they got for those puppies and gave it to our family so we could buy a car in Kenya. People were gracious to us and we want to be gracious to you." <br />
<br />
Sarah and I were amazed and thanked them both. They told us to come over and pick the one we wanted and they would hold him until Christmas for the kids. We went and tried to pick the runt of the litter but they insisted we had to take the best they had. Sarah settled on one that was healthy, cute, and strong. Mainly to appease my prideful heart, the father let me pay what they had spent on the puppy's shots and first vet visit. About a week before Christmas we surprised the kids and drove over to their house and picked up the new puppy. After a few days we settled on "Angus" as his name, he is now taller than Benny and growing like a weed.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJkxSg3OL5JY28KhDbDnMC23A0WzcXqLdgV0Rtt9eTXHgPCvUm8hd-AmqH12mAFowb-kGwRuhK_DnLMBeXaeLAweDJj64AhyphenhyphengDJbuTDUpfFMkDBVHETyHFu0luGaEL78G3AJLKkmW-EI/s1600/Dinkins-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJkxSg3OL5JY28KhDbDnMC23A0WzcXqLdgV0Rtt9eTXHgPCvUm8hd-AmqH12mAFowb-kGwRuhK_DnLMBeXaeLAweDJj64AhyphenhyphengDJbuTDUpfFMkDBVHETyHFu0luGaEL78G3AJLKkmW-EI/s320/Dinkins-13.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boys are growing up. Benny, Nehemiah,<br />
Asa, and me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The center of that story is sacrifice. It was a sacrifice for them to miss out on the cash that was rightfully theirs and that they had worked for because they wanted to love our family well. Many of you reading this have also sacrificed to love our family well. We are so grateful. You have sacrificed in so many ways for us and the kingdom; financial gifts, valuable vacation time to come encourage us and work beside us, time on your knees pleading with God for our family and the people to whom we are reaching out, and countless other ways. <br />
<br />
The secular world likes to say "Pay it Forward" and pass off the idea like it is some new product of our society, but the very thought is anchored in the Gospel of Jesus. After loving God, "paying it forward" or as Jesus put it "Love you neighbor as yourself" is the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:39) and at times it is so hard. Jesus modeled unselfish, sacrificial, extreme love for us and we are told by him to model this type of love, putting others first. <br />
<br />
So - we are thankful for our Clemson friends and their example to be unselfish and love others and we are grateful to so many of you who have set the same example in a myriad of ways.<br />
<br />
Tuko Pamoja,<br />
(We are together)<br />
<br />
Stephen and family<br />
<br />
<br />
Below are some unrelated pics to the story above! My parents, my aunt Amelia, and my sister Lori with her son Silas (1 of her 5!) came to visit before school started and we had a great time with them! They participated in ministry with us but we also took a few days to have fun with them and take them to see the beauty of Africa.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDT33GwnCVk1N8sPYtLY2BaqO3-o0TeKh2xE-q5Vk9jGntqg217jspWvu2GBz76uAf_YAcWFCWBK7yZYH-5hFmD24bIMaPtVBsdeMrz53M5lti6B1JUTfQ3336MbKo-VTj8V2eq90qQk/s1600/DSC_0523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDT33GwnCVk1N8sPYtLY2BaqO3-o0TeKh2xE-q5Vk9jGntqg217jspWvu2GBz76uAf_YAcWFCWBK7yZYH-5hFmD24bIMaPtVBsdeMrz53M5lti6B1JUTfQ3336MbKo-VTj8V2eq90qQk/s320/DSC_0523.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom, Dad, my family, and Silas <br />
my nephew who came to visit!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmiYEqhNH6yc2D7-D_uJOWGWGQX0QPp3Ea6egE3l1jSxkbAcPdJi7ahvkz2_gYEOfY8UfikEZOq7Xt9Gp95bMTnVNPXgJW6S7xhe5HjDHBEgozbLwuZMVf6hLmKB4WG5A7VMES-Wii3g/s1600/DSC_0593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmiYEqhNH6yc2D7-D_uJOWGWGQX0QPp3Ea6egE3l1jSxkbAcPdJi7ahvkz2_gYEOfY8UfikEZOq7Xt9Gp95bMTnVNPXgJW6S7xhe5HjDHBEgozbLwuZMVf6hLmKB4WG5A7VMES-Wii3g/s320/DSC_0593.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister Lori and her son Silas at Karura Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamxdZ1UoLaj9_5_yOCdCPiQeinwQyaywDiU5obDMo2IsZucyczhYFdaNgQiZOk_DQTJdyvPPqa4GC8pgDMlVlh-4LEtzKcACfKrzYZhQlcVfH1R5Inu68aY5SWTzKQXJeUcL0DF-9Yw4/s1600/DSC_0607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamxdZ1UoLaj9_5_yOCdCPiQeinwQyaywDiU5obDMo2IsZucyczhYFdaNgQiZOk_DQTJdyvPPqa4GC8pgDMlVlh-4LEtzKcACfKrzYZhQlcVfH1R5Inu68aY5SWTzKQXJeUcL0DF-9Yw4/s320/DSC_0607.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys w/ cousin Silas climbing in the Aberdare National Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-skDz6Rg8BhFFywA5c0RiGLWQvGpdwLdyGqhAfflfrgahbn9kqLw8fV5pzlH4tGOeMIP2SLvIaTgToq42IgMxOxuS_L22SGtlvgzCv4YThheSSIqKSUwUNf3eKSKpzMngAJJn26pgxzI/s1600/DSC_0647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-skDz6Rg8BhFFywA5c0RiGLWQvGpdwLdyGqhAfflfrgahbn9kqLw8fV5pzlH4tGOeMIP2SLvIaTgToq42IgMxOxuS_L22SGtlvgzCv4YThheSSIqKSUwUNf3eKSKpzMngAJJn26pgxzI/s320/DSC_0647.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rou and me at the foot of Chania Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwEpc50LtYKZG1HeD48iyn4qTY5Kv079rExyDGyQlAMfWtrodrEguk95xzz3alKEbiS5EoFmLVVg8jFR-cY00qs39isUbDucAI0_jBcjIYzGsyRP_5tF4fmlAwpD9zynoR0DSPxgX0Zs/s1600/DSC_0715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwEpc50LtYKZG1HeD48iyn4qTY5Kv079rExyDGyQlAMfWtrodrEguk95xzz3alKEbiS5EoFmLVVg8jFR-cY00qs39isUbDucAI0_jBcjIYzGsyRP_5tF4fmlAwpD9zynoR0DSPxgX0Zs/s200/DSC_0715.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We brought Lori, Silas, my aunt Amelia, Mom and Dad up<br />
to one of our favorite spots way up in the mtns.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243986193130967655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556125164611378405.post-37644153581563914312015-05-11T11:09:00.000-07:002015-05-11T11:38:19.567-07:00World Traveler - SC, Kenya, South Africa<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We’ve just returned from a week attending a conference in
Johannesburg, South Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is
nothing simple about traveling with four children, but we survived and had a
good time visiting with several friends, being encouraged from each other and
the word, and receiving some additional follow up ministry training specific to
Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are so thankful to work for
an organization that equips, encourages, and understands the challenges of
transitioning a family to a new country, culture, and language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our last night in Joburg we hit the town and visited a huge
mall, caught a movie with the whole family (Mall Cop 2 - save your money), curb stomped a bunch of South
Africans in Laser Tag, ate a great South African steak, and stocked up on some
American candy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our last two months have been anything but normal in terms
of rhythm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We've had two teams visit us from the SC & GA, I traveled to home to SC for ten days, followed that with some East
Africa specific meetings north of Nairobi, and capped it by this most recent trip to Joburg
for the whole family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are excited
about getting back in a normal schedule where the older kids can get back to
school and finish strong these last three weeks and Sarah and I can dig deeper
into ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ltjHg0udSyIKM1KYn1t65JZSy8nIIjgvPT26Q8mpKei6G-Saz7hpsKy4OBv4ic4QxA6q9N9aUYjG-aPZfOUpHz_O7LbCTx4uBi3ecJRORwv2VMxk7bwu7yKnU9Y-Hegu5vCxGjXt9DI/s1600/IMG_2042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ltjHg0udSyIKM1KYn1t65JZSy8nIIjgvPT26Q8mpKei6G-Saz7hpsKy4OBv4ic4QxA6q9N9aUYjG-aPZfOUpHz_O7LbCTx4uBi3ecJRORwv2VMxk7bwu7yKnU9Y-Hegu5vCxGjXt9DI/s320/IMG_2042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5, count 'em FIVE! Standing: Daniel (in front),<br />
Angel, & Antwan<br />
In my lap: Benjamin and Amelia </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although I did not get to see everyone I wanted to in my
short trip to SC, the ones I did were a huge blessing to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From work friends to church family, and even
time with old buddies from college on the golf course – it was all extremely refreshing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My trip was highlighted by meeting 5 (FIVE!)
new nieces and nephews that had been born or adopted since I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>left in April of 2013.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a joy to see them, hug them, and watch
my brother and sister have to parent them while I sat back and ate some more
good SC food!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At times I felt guilty
sitting at my mother’s table with no one to fuss at, while my siblings were
interrupted several times to take care of their offspring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No diapers, no switches, bibs, no threats, and
no spilled drinks to clean up – I felt real bad.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another high note from my time was getting to be in my home
church, FBC Sumter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They allowed me to
share on two Sunday’s and have the entire program on Wednesday night to share
what the Lord has been in doing in Kenya and in our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was humbling and amazing to receive the
hugs, prayers, and encouragement from all of the people that helped raise me
physically and spiritually.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTP9yaln3ClpOOOORkU7wpDIOKkZbg2Bs4wOYY4MgxlkdsNDYu2ZvTsZMXKzTUMIj8HYoos_uSRnyHYJZww2Sj0pKVbKavb2S1wQEPU_HdLTFcupJyo78dF8RW7OHt5VSRk03cAxEjAPs/s1600/IMG_2069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTP9yaln3ClpOOOORkU7wpDIOKkZbg2Bs4wOYY4MgxlkdsNDYu2ZvTsZMXKzTUMIj8HYoos_uSRnyHYJZww2Sj0pKVbKavb2S1wQEPU_HdLTFcupJyo78dF8RW7OHt5VSRk03cAxEjAPs/s320/IMG_2069.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my brother, Scott "Pony Boy" Dinkins in his <br />
awesome golf outfit at the beach.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On top of getting to connect with family and church, I was
also awestruck at the generosity<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of friends who blessed me with their time, prayers, and even my plane ticket. To be
the beneficiary of such sacrificial giving is hard to describe, to see how
people love us, but to also see their desire to be a part of and invest in the mission of
reaching the unreached by blessing us.
My only regret is that all six of us couldn’t come, but we look forward
to the fall of 2016 when we will get to return to SC for about 6 months for a
stateside assignment. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
Please continue to pray for our work – for the Spirit to be
at work and for us to have discerning eyes to see where he is working and join
him for his glory. If you are interested
in praying more specifically, please email me at <a href="mailto:stephen.dinkins@gmail.com">stephen.dinkins@gmail.com</a> and I will add you to a group praying for one of our
three target areas. We will give you
specific streets to pray for, people, and even days when we are going to be in
that area intentional to share the truth we have in Jesus.<br />
<br />
Lastly - if you are a twitter user - check out <a href="http://www.twitter.com/still_further" target="_blank">@still_further</a> and sign up for some ministry specific tweets about Nairobi and Kenya -and some real time prayer requests.<br />
<br />
Jesus is better,<br />
<br />
SLD<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243986193130967655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556125164611378405.post-492473348074324192015-04-07T05:59:00.002-07:002015-04-07T12:55:22.060-07:00Terror....and Hope, Easter 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Friends,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Greetings from East Africa!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a great day on Easter worshiping here
in Kenya. Our pastor pointed out in his sermon that the
very first people to hear of Jesus' resurrection did not believe the reports -
and they were the ones that had been with him when he said he would die and
then be raised to life on the third day! However, they did come to believe and with the power of the Holy Spirit they changed the world. Today the
same is true. Those that do not believe today can still come to faith and
change the world for his glory. We must pray.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br />
We shouldn't be surprised when we encounter unbelief. The world is full
of unbelief but we are called to be witnesses to the resurrection and how it
has changed us. We should expect and know that Jesus can and does change
lives - even the most evil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br />
This past week has been a terrible one in Kenya - you have probably read about
the terrorist attack at Moi University in Garissa. 149 students shot
dead. No words can describe what happened and the gruesome stories and pictures that
have come from there. We are heartbroken for the families all over Kenya
who had sent their children to this university to prepare academically for a
life that has been cut short.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Many were killed for simply being Christians.
We are encouraging those around us that there is hope in this life
through Jesus for comfort and peace, and there is hope in the next life that
Jesus will completely vanquish evil, sin, and all its effects. Join us in praying for Kenya .... for its people, for their hearts, for their security,
and even the terrorist living in its midst. That some would hear the good
news and turn from their wicked ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">A SC pastor and friend emailed me and said he was
praying that there might be a Saul - someone watching and approving of this
evil that would be transformed by the grace of the Gospel and be a bold witness
to the others of who Jesus is and what he has done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">We cannot give up now, we must know and find
refuge today that the battle is won, that sin and its effect of death has been
conquered on the cross by Lamb of God. So we pray for Kenya, we pray for
those who don't have faith in his resurrection, and we pray for his return
- that he would not tarry to come and restore creation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-B1OrUrpC-rb_GI0TZykSzBorvZp7H2QWbM4T-QGQ8fOZRn2CN09-Cfn8rEHMdbrT6rBO2FteIFrV0aqXXAgF9vcei6IsUyy8sohi1NvU5Y3F7LL8GF54sUGpu1tdeJVVlDvzCXSNoI/s1600/IMG_1704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-B1OrUrpC-rb_GI0TZykSzBorvZp7H2QWbM4T-QGQ8fOZRn2CN09-Cfn8rEHMdbrT6rBO2FteIFrV0aqXXAgF9vcei6IsUyy8sohi1NvU5Y3F7LL8GF54sUGpu1tdeJVVlDvzCXSNoI/s1600/IMG_1704.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
A lot of other stuff has happened since I posted an entry around Christmas. We have had two teams come from
America to serve alongside us and to support us. The first team had three
ladies from Roswell GA and Northside Baptist Church. They taught a
women's health forum in a slum named Kasabuni, walked, talked and prayed for
people in Githogoro, and visited with some teenage moms who had been abandoned
with their babies from the families and communities. They were a
tremendous blessing to both us and the communities we served.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AIuOrXdi8VtWplHDS83b-aEul-O09oj1HGL0fKHTwDcNYtNdcurAU_c3JOoIih4PKDiXcPMzp02CmY-tgvkB9N_qsDQQYtmFkg0TT8BEvPIw-t3o7ouSQ6LYZXX8F7qdDXIG1xg7gKQ/s1600/IMG_1881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AIuOrXdi8VtWplHDS83b-aEul-O09oj1HGL0fKHTwDcNYtNdcurAU_c3JOoIih4PKDiXcPMzp02CmY-tgvkB9N_qsDQQYtmFkg0TT8BEvPIw-t3o7ouSQ6LYZXX8F7qdDXIG1xg7gKQ/s1600/IMG_1881.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The second group consisted of Sarah's sister
Kelly Satcher and their good friend Dr. Martha Hester, both from Columbia.
They brought their daughters and we held a simple medical clinic in a
small village about an hour from Nairobi. We also visited, prayed for,
and walked the streets of Makadara, one of our ministry areas. We met the chief and started some good relationships to build on.
In addition they also visited the young moms at the halfway house and met
with some local medical providers to pick their brains preparing for future
medical clinics to open doors in communities where we want to share the hope of
Jesus and his resurrection. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In addition to the two teams that have
visited us, Rainey, Asa, and I had a chance to go camping in the Aberdare
National Park and had a great time in the wilds of Africa. Below are some
pictures of that time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Thank you for praying, encouraging, emailing,
and supporting out efforts here in Kenya.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Jesus is better,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Stephen & Sarah</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lHW-mDzhi98KCCqrvJ_Nxwj_3f-r1TaxP0LkpdkDO3lW6VcRzLT4CJ0mGH7kTRa99lInmBJj79JrfzVZOka8iNnY0N8JmSNZIK5rcQmUyrsQY6keS0TiXinLf6yZcrnLTOXA1KdpfKo/s1600/IMG_3659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lHW-mDzhi98KCCqrvJ_Nxwj_3f-r1TaxP0LkpdkDO3lW6VcRzLT4CJ0mGH7kTRa99lInmBJj79JrfzVZOka8iNnY0N8JmSNZIK5rcQmUyrsQY6keS0TiXinLf6yZcrnLTOXA1KdpfKo/s1600/IMG_3659.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asa above the waterfall beside our campsite.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. Kenya, Africa's 2nd largest mountain behind Kilimanjaro.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeBl60pfkJ9UmacDEZdUd7IBwOyJC-4hM0EuEqecDGQH5cwfXC9QK8IXNGizBh3ogdGxGZpqoXG2zevWRLz7wpkVWjwyxbFvxgwQI-g-XhB5zRXx1-HVCihyNMgBiqkFY7EowMBtMvt0/s1600/IMG_3632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeBl60pfkJ9UmacDEZdUd7IBwOyJC-4hM0EuEqecDGQH5cwfXC9QK8IXNGizBh3ogdGxGZpqoXG2zevWRLz7wpkVWjwyxbFvxgwQI-g-XhB5zRXx1-HVCihyNMgBiqkFY7EowMBtMvt0/s1600/IMG_3632.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainey and Asa behind our natural "shower".</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asa and a waterbuck skull and antlers.</td></tr>
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Merry Christmas!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
family hopes you had a great Thanksgiving and are ready to enjoy a wonderful
Christmas celebrating Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirm3DPonKBJ75FZBeICPTB_z6YuZ-znTKULJjL71LXSksDEXcecXvXA_mAPALe04M2rOUhmNTBTRBX5j0-bIY-I97bXZvYvk7h3A5GVnuL84tAM71GPm7e6JESxz5OvSWJItDosVcLR3I/s1600/IMG_0488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirm3DPonKBJ75FZBeICPTB_z6YuZ-znTKULJjL71LXSksDEXcecXvXA_mAPALe04M2rOUhmNTBTRBX5j0-bIY-I97bXZvYvk7h3A5GVnuL84tAM71GPm7e6JESxz5OvSWJItDosVcLR3I/s1600/IMG_0488.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Our Thanksgiving was a sweet time with our “family” of
coworkers here in Nairobi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a
large group over to our house and enjoyed volleyball and football<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>after lunch with the kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sarah cooked two turkeys and they were
delicious!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others brought many sides and
we had a large spread that would make any American proud.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgAyAsVG33Pkr9Eow8GFLbx8u_KKJSKkiGSYU2yKWKJnXzHmxTM3ooTRh5NxKcHhQk8JEk5OWD3fLqw0UsF-rCs_TjLuR4v8V-qasMG4fNxWReaqIq7QwPGYZ8xkSxBDDqdfejHg0n90/s1600/IMG_5948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgAyAsVG33Pkr9Eow8GFLbx8u_KKJSKkiGSYU2yKWKJnXzHmxTM3ooTRh5NxKcHhQk8JEk5OWD3fLqw0UsF-rCs_TjLuR4v8V-qasMG4fNxWReaqIq7QwPGYZ8xkSxBDDqdfejHg0n90/s1600/IMG_5948.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a>Saturday we were invited to a tailgate party with friends
before the Clemson/Carolina game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are big Clemson fans from Greenville so we tried hard to be nice!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a noon game in the USA so
it was 8:00 pm here – we had fun making it as American as we could!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only problem was that the Gamecocks could
not get it done on the field – but it was a fun day to enjoy some American football.<br />
<br />
School continues to go well for the kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rainey is on the worship team for the middle school and leads their chapel service and her basketball team won the region championship! Asa is doing well in school and he is playing softball in after-school intramurals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am currently down 5 milkshakes to him because of his proclivity to hit home runs. Below he is dressed up to be "Principal for the Day" as part of his leadership team duties.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbg4Yh0C3fPmXgqXQquUMTnU_awbnSc7vvVxb55Bpn5kYQwyXyKXLLf2x9_Q_KD059w9acDURM393T9nNKqdTrTF8vF-tmItWRAX5_I54ARrMNrTl9_ugCQknEbt11qaHKLj5568adDUM/s1600/IMG_0221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbg4Yh0C3fPmXgqXQquUMTnU_awbnSc7vvVxb55Bpn5kYQwyXyKXLLf2x9_Q_KD059w9acDURM393T9nNKqdTrTF8vF-tmItWRAX5_I54ARrMNrTl9_ugCQknEbt11qaHKLj5568adDUM/s1600/IMG_0221.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a>Nehemiah and Benny are doing well and ruling the compound – making trouble and climbing trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Benny had some stomach troubles since our last blog but they have cleared up and Nehemiah received a few stitches for a fall off the bed. But all of that is par for the course with these two.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4VRdWfyJ3_UMpWw39n2Tf-JZc8dTUH1T9EKwDyqoPZYgcy-_-qq9F0xzev0gUgwpslFJYAqCm__r-GnyF6-027zCMcihPuf_1EbhP_Z1HNOuJtzGZdKhrkv5WC21VMZwXYZNooHMAH4/s1600/IMG_0223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4VRdWfyJ3_UMpWw39n2Tf-JZc8dTUH1T9EKwDyqoPZYgcy-_-qq9F0xzev0gUgwpslFJYAqCm__r-GnyF6-027zCMcihPuf_1EbhP_Z1HNOuJtzGZdKhrkv5WC21VMZwXYZNooHMAH4/s1600/IMG_0223.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a>We have decorated for Christmas with our 5’ artificial tree and one strand of battery powered lights. Our stockings are hung on the security bars in our windows, along with candy canes on the tree. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Our work in Nairobi has been gaining traction as we have been meeting people from all backgrounds and developing relationships that have allowed us to share what is most important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those relationships have taken us to different areas, from the slums with tremendous poverty to middle class Kenyan churches that don’t look too different from your church in America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> This past Sunday I had the opportunity to preach in a small rural church and challenge them to share the good news they have received with people that are different from them. Like in America, the church here has to work hard to overcome barriers and reach out to people that are not like them. People from other faiths in Nairobi look different, dress different, and live in different areas of town. It takes intentional effort to be obedient to the great commission!</span></div>
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Let me first say that, as my West African friend Simaga
tells me, I have a “good wife”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
weekend would have been a disaster without her flexible and adaptable African attitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuXNjdCzUYEs9pezCA17QFvrUsfKR2nRofK36kK1nGyj9NjpI_16C16SLdxGPs-9OCHQrbNsUMl10R0x6KSR2geh4nJE6gN8a3qgY6ETYBBrZd5MQ1VSap0xpHZrZgji-9cS-3FClcvY/s1600/IMG_2283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuXNjdCzUYEs9pezCA17QFvrUsfKR2nRofK36kK1nGyj9NjpI_16C16SLdxGPs-9OCHQrbNsUMl10R0x6KSR2geh4nJE6gN8a3qgY6ETYBBrZd5MQ1VSap0xpHZrZgji-9cS-3FClcvY/s1600/IMG_2283.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainey and Asa atop the Karuru Falls <br />
with the Gura falls in the background</td></tr>
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The kids had a fall
break with a Friday and Monday off from school. We
decided it was the perfect time for some quality family time in the wilds of
Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had heard a lot of neat things
about the Aberdares National Park 2 hours north of Nairobi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact some friends had told us about a
cabin you could rent from the Kenya Wildlife Service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t have electricity, but there was a
caretaker who lived close by that would supply firewood, and keep the water hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Aberdares are a mountain range right on
the equator but over 12,000 feet in elevation. It is not uncommon to have
frost on the ground in the mornings – thus the hot water was a big selling
point with Sarah and Rainey.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5aTaEns4jmopG7lm64gqDjhiOvtfhQwQHuKekd3Wl_Nb64mvNWcs5Bhp5OB-H9KWVFZFTRXJ4CagIP4OZm1lzhjLYMUPVrQHD7i6nsIei2QC6jbpWZ9S0-1vx3e9iZJ8sD8YBSe2FhY/s1600/karuru-falls-aberdares-790x493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5aTaEns4jmopG7lm64gqDjhiOvtfhQwQHuKekd3Wl_Nb64mvNWcs5Bhp5OB-H9KWVFZFTRXJ4CagIP4OZm1lzhjLYMUPVrQHD7i6nsIei2QC6jbpWZ9S0-1vx3e9iZJ8sD8YBSe2FhY/s1600/karuru-falls-aberdares-790x493.jpg" height="199" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the water fall, Kururu, that Asa and Rainey <br />
are at the top of in the picture above</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbFFcLN5tJqA9KZKu5JJ9nSZDc4ddQEwbdElvB_G3fw53O9TaJ2iqDlprx9ebT09-sVYDruu_pMhsIK2IKEo9kLkfD7gYCffDgLosalbAJ-HSWH5Mf3zOf5VqgLDSVkau_puSrdXynW0/s1600/IMG_2245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbFFcLN5tJqA9KZKu5JJ9nSZDc4ddQEwbdElvB_G3fw53O9TaJ2iqDlprx9ebT09-sVYDruu_pMhsIK2IKEo9kLkfD7gYCffDgLosalbAJ-HSWH5Mf3zOf5VqgLDSVkau_puSrdXynW0/s1600/IMG_2245.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We met this guy on the road - or maybe 10 yards off of it.</td></tr>
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We packed the suv – loaded up all the essentials, including two
extra kerosene lanterns, flashlights, food, pots, pans, games, clothes
etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the clothes went in a water
proof duffel bag a friend had given us from the states.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being tight on space, I threw the big duffel
on the roof and strapped it down with a bungee cord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything else somehow fit inside
with the 6 of us. Friends told us it would take 2 hours to the nearest gate
from Nairobi. We left at 11:00 and stopped
to get some kerosene. I had saved on old soap can (which I had been itching to reuse) and filled it up with Kerosene
and set in the rear of the suv. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqzAxXstUyDRCYtupyo0S_Bzk5se0_FEuOgRzGfxt7sDc17Ff0Pq6acpFWTZPMwNdA-AttLm1rAFUnsX1qTDegNCBEcR-ez-KwYUApGLd5TBqEZrzffj4hNv9uQ5ZqaI4w9bNVLsqfuw/s1600/IMG_2251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqzAxXstUyDRCYtupyo0S_Bzk5se0_FEuOgRzGfxt7sDc17Ff0Pq6acpFWTZPMwNdA-AttLm1rAFUnsX1qTDegNCBEcR-ez-KwYUApGLd5TBqEZrzffj4hNv9uQ5ZqaI4w9bNVLsqfuw/s1600/IMG_2251.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh leopard prints on the road not far from our cabin.</td></tr>
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We took off in the right direction and only took about 40
minutes to get lost. Africans don’t put
a high value on signage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So after asking
for directions a couple of times, we drove through a torrential thunderstorm,
complete with hail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the midst of the
blinding rain we hit multiple speed bumps (they are everywhere here and locals call them sleeping police) at speeds faster than they were
designed for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shortly thereafter we
start to smell kerosene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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We make a few
more turns and finally confirm we are headed in the right direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3 hours and 45 minutes after leaving, and 1
hour 45 minutes after our friends told us we should be there, we arrive at the
gate to the National Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was still
raining and the guards laughed at the fact that I had a bag on my roof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to explain it was waterproof but they
just kept laughing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgb2mbdF4iuu7FXxVocdDPVC-8-Bm_6FbEHEIJnlTcU-ZGS5Aq0NJr3KZguKhRYn7Cb6dyb7keHba4N0D8yNr6UNybpvFAAMNBH0T-UiW0qg606ZuCtbmIp60wPL74EsEsnADpKFqiQk/s1600/IMG_2217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgb2mbdF4iuu7FXxVocdDPVC-8-Bm_6FbEHEIJnlTcU-ZGS5Aq0NJr3KZguKhRYn7Cb6dyb7keHba4N0D8yNr6UNybpvFAAMNBH0T-UiW0qg606ZuCtbmIp60wPL74EsEsnADpKFqiQk/s1600/IMG_2217.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asa curb stomping us in Monopoly.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZECRyvwiFw39Xgnp1RxPgywhRZ80dTd08lCC8jpExGlW5UDD4eaKjBVMYDE9E5RHAkO38mTUFGf_j8jOkiUuRdzIQ9L-ycGeFD8O56LsZgO77UemXhjbLKnClqJbd2EgTlxF1tx4rtU/s1600/IMG_2231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZECRyvwiFw39Xgnp1RxPgywhRZ80dTd08lCC8jpExGlW5UDD4eaKjBVMYDE9E5RHAkO38mTUFGf_j8jOkiUuRdzIQ9L-ycGeFD8O56LsZgO77UemXhjbLKnClqJbd2EgTlxF1tx4rtU/s1600/IMG_2231.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the boys rock hopping in Africa.</td></tr>
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We drove another 30 minutes through the national park on dirt
roads with little signage and finally found our cabin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was rustic, but about what we
imagined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beds were made, it was clean,
and the fireplace was ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
rain was ending and the air was cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
would guess it was in the fifties and heading much lower with darkness coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The caretaker brought us some extra lanterns and our first load of firewood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sarah
started unpacking the food and preparing supper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Being the domestic despot that she is, she
had made two casseroles that she could simply warm in our awesome cabin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked around in the sparse kitchen and
there was no gas oven as had been advertised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Frustrated, she made alternative plans and decided to simply
place the frozen casserole dish on the gas burner on low.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began unpacking the things from inside the
car, all of which smelled like kerosene because my container had been leaking and our numerous encounters with over zealous speed bumps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49d9x-411Qukpb5D3rphAxd_CFoJEHu5vJqnd3ypPgBot3yA5rTsrtuHq9tdNaPqwPq1glOesvlPNFQWWFwJ9v9gPxgQH5Zi_JzFGtiQ9_WHQveUtVUL38KJCAaM1BCYuc7r4SfXIuRw/s1600/IMG_2241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49d9x-411Qukpb5D3rphAxd_CFoJEHu5vJqnd3ypPgBot3yA5rTsrtuHq9tdNaPqwPq1glOesvlPNFQWWFwJ9v9gPxgQH5Zi_JzFGtiQ9_WHQveUtVUL38KJCAaM1BCYuc7r4SfXIuRw/s1600/IMG_2241.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Asa leading the way on our hike from the stream.</td></tr>
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I was outside when the explosion rang out
over the mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went in to the
small kitchen to see the frozen casserole on top of the range without any glass casserole dish – it had detonated and shattered into a million pieces, on the floor, on the countertops,
and in the casserole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Supper was in
peril but we did not fret because we focused on the fact that we had hot water for a good shower and plenty of dry clothes
to put on and enjoy the warmth of the fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As Sarah worked on another supper adjustment, I went to find the
caretaker to ask him about the fire for the hot water tank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lowered his head and said “uhh... I am sorry
but the hot water tank is not working…. a family of elephants came through
Tuesday and knocked it over and snapped the pipes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked him if he could walk back to the
cabin with me and explain that to my wife.
He declined. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLPBJnG8kQM7S1BrmXUhyphenhyphen49VTW8wnQVFG97sSEDmYoWCMHzDkDd15RSl31nLczasWGcyZTL9hEIkHYOleLCrCNiuRqj4FCYd6yUdNuMsZtXDqdpo3HgWRbb7QKEPI9HNiWpzrbblZvF4/s1600/IMG_2239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLPBJnG8kQM7S1BrmXUhyphenhyphen49VTW8wnQVFG97sSEDmYoWCMHzDkDd15RSl31nLczasWGcyZTL9hEIkHYOleLCrCNiuRqj4FCYd6yUdNuMsZtXDqdpo3HgWRbb7QKEPI9HNiWpzrbblZvF4/s1600/IMG_2239.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little assist from Asa.</td></tr>
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As I strolled back
to the cabin I thought of ways to spin the no hot water predicament and came up
with nothing – except the cool fact that elephants frequent our yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That did not impress the girls – the boys
however went on an instant search for elephants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Supper was almost ready, the fire was going
(slowly with wet, soft wood), and Sarah was ready to change into some clean,
dry, and warm clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She unpacked the
bag that had been on top of the car to find the clothes soaking wet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ate our spaghetti by the faint light of
the lanterns, with the delicious aroma of kerosene, the potential surprise of
glass in our food, surrounded by wet clothes that were hung everywhere
possible to dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We finally made it to
sleep that evening shivering in damp, cold, dirty clothes under insufficient
blankets with everything we brought strung out all over the cabin drying.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDPw3YdRml_aneq4EnzvhVMhlsxhrEWb9aOQtHXoLT2RypDAv4VO-tehZmtua2JwsZAiXbu_JQP8vC537ci_P0s5CMXG3aSjEIfgu7apXtAGoHSNBoRo_m2k1QfHoq2Xb0oPslQBWvqI/s1600/IMG_2267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDPw3YdRml_aneq4EnzvhVMhlsxhrEWb9aOQtHXoLT2RypDAv4VO-tehZmtua2JwsZAiXbu_JQP8vC537ci_P0s5CMXG3aSjEIfgu7apXtAGoHSNBoRo_m2k1QfHoq2Xb0oPslQBWvqI/s1600/IMG_2267.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off Road in Africa. On the hike down to the falls.</td></tr>
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It was all uphill from there. The next day was awesome. We saw elephants from our front porch, waterbucks in our yard, and Sarah had an up-close encounter with a Bush Duiker on a hiking trail. We found two of the most beautiful waterfalls we had ever seen, and visited “Queen’s Cave” at Magura Falls which is named for Queen Elizabeth. She was there visiting and having “high tea” when she received word that she had ascended to the throne when her father died. We made our way back to the cabin seeing various animals and came across some huge leopard prints in the road – we had just missed him! Sarah won our double elimination checkers tournament that evening and received a nice rock from Queen’s Cave as her trophy.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCrjcT6u6WLYEM5VE3wvaWlg3nFsN_oya0VLPyn_c1GwfUSkPTSFCR_51HsA3f5AeytE0oKK8EWlTnVW9bPSrIdTaF7mfQACdWcH206amr5ObLZqzLZJrLbyREcRQl9YwnjIwQltBzzE/s1600/IMG_2257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCrjcT6u6WLYEM5VE3wvaWlg3nFsN_oya0VLPyn_c1GwfUSkPTSFCR_51HsA3f5AeytE0oKK8EWlTnVW9bPSrIdTaF7mfQACdWcH206amr5ObLZqzLZJrLbyREcRQl9YwnjIwQltBzzE/s1600/IMG_2257.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rou is on top of the world.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next morning we made pancakes and ate on the porch (at least the boys braved the cold) and then had family worship before we packed up and started for home. We were going to drive to another section of the park for another game drive but fog had settled in very thick – and visibility was extremely limited. We did however come across a small herd of Cape Buffalo who weren’t too far away. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0PKp-jySurkpQy2iW2aP-w2zPK96FkGhjGZ6hOOefamTrPHTcIJ2TJyLGuvdj6GGVVuT9eVWhUNvWD7-exJ8RFIjPzGDoY4aPQ7O-BjYiPOeW01_332mWsJsVW_x7zX1eUo9Lf8FqwM/s1600/IMG_2372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0PKp-jySurkpQy2iW2aP-w2zPK96FkGhjGZ6hOOefamTrPHTcIJ2TJyLGuvdj6GGVVuT9eVWhUNvWD7-exJ8RFIjPzGDoY4aPQ7O-BjYiPOeW01_332mWsJsVW_x7zX1eUo9Lf8FqwM/s1600/IMG_2372.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cape Buffalo met us in the fog <br />
on our way out of the park this morning.</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Family vacations are never without their obstacles but we pushed forward and enjoyed the good things. I am thankful that even a long ways from home and our extended family, God has allowed us to have some neat times together making memories that will last a lifetime. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asa at Queen's Cave.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole fam. We had a 900' drop behind us!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0Y5OU56jkJVkjRzctp0YYSRG0VpB2nBOjhGnSrIZCgzzJF_MAIitgZO2lwAq1MAP_2BtV8hf_9AdxxbpKovsjvRZHmSykFLvFkf0hARxkEUjb1ZQVKGMt9jcYB2Fca02fKbpfNxJiYg/s1600/IMG_2302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0Y5OU56jkJVkjRzctp0YYSRG0VpB2nBOjhGnSrIZCgzzJF_MAIitgZO2lwAq1MAP_2BtV8hf_9AdxxbpKovsjvRZHmSykFLvFkf0hARxkEUjb1ZQVKGMt9jcYB2Fca02fKbpfNxJiYg/s1600/IMG_2302.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">These three are at Queen's cave<br />
(below the waterfall) - Queen Elizabeth<br />
was here when she found out<br />
she had ascended to the<br />
throne of England.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2nQiEaHi2joZzg_H0TS9KrQizW2kT-CHkspMVgJa9PwHtg8H5v69X7tHYFlLHmCqUNdhpc96WNyInkpEoXRDkpugBivGa_nrBljVKSHMRW1NcUcy-D-d4Tbtlzfwe-qZEzFXINkua6o/s1600/IMG_2284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2nQiEaHi2joZzg_H0TS9KrQizW2kT-CHkspMVgJa9PwHtg8H5v69X7tHYFlLHmCqUNdhpc96WNyInkpEoXRDkpugBivGa_nrBljVKSHMRW1NcUcy-D-d4Tbtlzfwe-qZEzFXINkua6o/s1600/IMG_2284.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Gura falls as seen from the top of Karuru falls. These were made famous in "Out of Africa"</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243986193130967655noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556125164611378405.post-57143250969070978672014-08-30T00:43:00.001-07:002014-08-30T00:43:45.656-07:00A Place of Cool Waters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Nairobi, is the capitol of Kenya, the largest city in East Africa, and our newest home. For a few reasons, the most important being security, we are moving from the coast of Kenya in Mombasa, to a place whose name means "a place of cool waters". We pray that it indeed would be refreshing for our family and place where we can settle.<br />
<br />
Since our July 2nd post, many things have changed - but our purpose remains the same. Rainey and Asa have returned from a trip to the states to visit family and attend Ambassador Camp. They had a great stay but we are so glad to have them back here. The decision to relocate to Nairobi was not an easy one, but the timing was good so that the kids are able to start school on Monday, only a couple weeks late on the semester. They are very excited and have a great school to attend here. It was started by three different missions organizations and has a considerable western influence while also hosting many Kenyan children and children from non missions families, so it is diverse. They will have opportunities to participate in sports, drama, and other extra curricular activities like they would have in the states. <br />
<br />
We are living in a duplex on a compound not far from town that has several units, and some room for the boys to ride bikes, climb trees, and chase the occasional monkey. Our stuff from Mombasa will be moved up in a few weeks, right now we are using some temporary furniture belonging to our company. <br />
<br />
Before the official decision to move we had come to Nairobi to meet with some leadership to discuss the security situation and had been up here a few weeks. Once the decision was made to make the move, Asa and I drove to Mombasa (8 hours each way) this past Tuesday and returned Wednesday to fetch Indi (his 2 month old puppy) Sa's chickens, and Rainey's cat and her new kittens, and a few turtles. It was an interesting ride back but Asa was a good sport. <br />
<br />
In a few short weeks I hope to write again with some pictures of Nairobi, our new home, some areas where we work, the people, and the culture. Until then we ask you to pray as the kids start school, as we being language tutoring again, and our work begins.<br />
<br />
If you would like more information about our work, how you can pray more specifically, or how you can help in other ways, please email me at stephen.dinkins@gmail.com and I will gladly add you to our email group list and provide any other information.<br />
<br />
From A Place of Cool Waters,<br />
<br />
The Dinkins<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243986193130967655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556125164611378405.post-91887228492675158132014-07-02T10:29:00.000-07:002014-07-02T11:57:42.910-07:00One year already?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IBkMQE0vLiz41pMVn_aO55PT7NY7ndLXTeye6avJkoYXIDHR2IfPuLi6ffhvhzt676rFEOT1Inj_IJtinxzMARPO8oo0qLXQ32shwhcG1t8aFphvcjzs_UADPa03fAKOwCs9qdNu7PU/s1600/IMG_2340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IBkMQE0vLiz41pMVn_aO55PT7NY7ndLXTeye6avJkoYXIDHR2IfPuLi6ffhvhzt676rFEOT1Inj_IJtinxzMARPO8oo0qLXQ32shwhcG1t8aFphvcjzs_UADPa03fAKOwCs9qdNu7PU/s1600/IMG_2340.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The iconic "tusks" of downtown Mombasa.</span></span></td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
One year ago today we got off the plane in Africa for the
first time as a family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are so
thankful for the past year, even with its volatile ups and downs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have come out on the other side stronger
mentally and spiritually. It is hard to believe it has been a year already.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After all the moving around we are enjoying being settled
and having a home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More importantly we love
getting “traction” with our work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
are developing strong relationships that we believe will bear fruit over the
coming years. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Language, though far from perfect, seems to be making
strides for both Sarah and me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids
are excited about starting school in the fall and we are learning our new </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
culture more and more everyday.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWbOhAsToWeBgSG9ozx8vLM9-GwliyULDRVNSZkdb_5zKs4FunroT_xEG0m9LDgnRTu1H0Td4Br8-jbP7d2N48t_Kc4awSwHsiu1rTo2oIb3whVf4jpJnPYy3u3Rx9IbnqubZRJQLpqU/s1600/IMG_2118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWbOhAsToWeBgSG9ozx8vLM9-GwliyULDRVNSZkdb_5zKs4FunroT_xEG0m9LDgnRTu1H0Td4Br8-jbP7d2N48t_Kc4awSwHsiu1rTo2oIb3whVf4jpJnPYy3u3Rx9IbnqubZRJQLpqU/s1600/IMG_2118.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our basketball clinic at a local school</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We just had our first real “team” come from the states to Mombasa to help us and we had a great time with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A local school opened their doors to us on a Sunday afternoon for a
basketball clinic and around 40 students showed up, eager to learn and have
fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an awesome experience to
work alongside such volunteers who just wanted to serve.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They also visited a couple of area primary schools and had opportunities
to “teach” the kids as well as play with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At one school we tried to introduce American Dodgeball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem though was that we played with a
soccer ball – so it took lots of explaining to keep the kids from converging
on the ball and kicking it instead of running away from it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZrX-U8Sd_KiGQPZkMXEl5ACuzPoG3-1xzR04FhujQ01z0T1iBxg7TpiaDAf_yHkn3WwkzM4QTgWj2aob3VMT1Ta_o_0bPnwuilZu8_dZOJSgY8It9A8EXI-8CPP9kg36-J1QE6nDXD8/s1600/IMG_2159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZrX-U8Sd_KiGQPZkMXEl5ACuzPoG3-1xzR04FhujQ01z0T1iBxg7TpiaDAf_yHkn3WwkzM4QTgWj2aob3VMT1Ta_o_0bPnwuilZu8_dZOJSgY8It9A8EXI-8CPP9kg36-J1QE6nDXD8/s1600/IMG_2159.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Bynum/Noblitt at a local school with teachers and kids.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a tremendous blessing for our entire family as the
team was close friends from our home in SC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had fun with them and we served with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every single member of my family absolutely
loved the visit from start to end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
fact, Rainey and Asa received an extra benefit; they flew back with the team to
SC where they have attended Ambassador Camp (where Sarah and I met 24+ years
ago) and are visiting grandparents and cousins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They will return at the end of July with some family coming over to
visit us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are always learning more about our new culture and how
our friends here “do life”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This past
Saturday was a sobering lesson as we attended the funeral of infant who was
two days old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was the son of some new
friends we have met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a reminder
that life everywhere is hard, but in Africa there seems to be a greater degree
of difficulty for a number of reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Africans
are a strong people that help share each other’s burdens, a good example for us
to see and model.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We wouldn’t trade this past year for anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have grown more as individuals and as a
family these last twelve months than any period before…..and we are just
getting started.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV96xwc4rj1JUkVHV7b9eAs87ew1BhneF4mc1J6lbvx0KhFDFGN9f_EUuZgcHtY-IzyhJYBLSJNrVcNu4u5CB7vvdnO_PmGax32hWEojHenF__YspYMvgFgC1COuUA2h9MD8X7fgnp0zw/s1600/IMG_2321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV96xwc4rj1JUkVHV7b9eAs87ew1BhneF4mc1J6lbvx0KhFDFGN9f_EUuZgcHtY-IzyhJYBLSJNrVcNu4u5CB7vvdnO_PmGax32hWEojHenF__YspYMvgFgC1COuUA2h9MD8X7fgnp0zw/s1600/IMG_2321.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The latest addition to the family. Meet Asa's dog<br />Indi, short for Indiana Jones </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A street view of "Old Town" in Mombasa, where<br />
many Swahili live and the culture is preserved.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nurse Sarah and Mrs. Satcher helping kids with minor cuts, <br />
scrapes, boils and other skin problems.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nehemiah is ready for some medical <br />
work with his latex gloves on!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243986193130967655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556125164611378405.post-19427318618555800162014-05-22T23:43:00.001-07:002014-05-25T05:38:05.898-07:00Like Mighty Rushing Waters....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOVMigDXH36vjARCJCvW1c8A_N3Fp0pP7gOkG6J32O-D7eGPYSET1M5AHC4wp9Kc0oAJGjxz9O0PnUNlvCONhqhQmmqGDRNQDqvdkxp2tnJcvQWqpRuaVI8jLLRbkvHTpNwTljoAdXBI/s1600/IMG_3579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOVMigDXH36vjARCJCvW1c8A_N3Fp0pP7gOkG6J32O-D7eGPYSET1M5AHC4wp9Kc0oAJGjxz9O0PnUNlvCONhqhQmmqGDRNQDqvdkxp2tnJcvQWqpRuaVI8jLLRbkvHTpNwTljoAdXBI/s1600/IMG_3579.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RPD with a friend in the village.</td></tr>
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ZAMBIA - Our last month and half has taken us many places, provided
more transitions, and opened our eyes even wider to creation and to African culture. We spent time in a capital city, in a bush
camp outside a small town, and several nights in a village with a host
family. All 6 of us have been stretched
in many ways and are stronger, wiser, and more capable because of it. We are thankful for the adventure we have
been on.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Asa had fun chasing tarantulas and other bugs in the bush,
Rainey enjoyed trying to sample dried caterpillars in the local market, and
Sarah fell in love with bucket and pulley showers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Benny loved his naps in the tent and Nehemiah
introduced a dozen village boys to the concept of Wrestlemania.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Filthy would be the understatement of the
year to describe the boys at sundown every evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6grsmDRR_6VUl_-7z6ok7ql56GVFRGL5SNJdgsD-l_zvza3u6L6c8l025FDHQ3RdIrse4-cTE0BRRMiMU7MtWSdIachBApb87D5LZLQy2AjOPTyT4_-7mO1dyEWOcXtCvEyciAUzOXS0/s1600/IMG_1693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6grsmDRR_6VUl_-7z6ok7ql56GVFRGL5SNJdgsD-l_zvza3u6L6c8l025FDHQ3RdIrse4-cTE0BRRMiMU7MtWSdIachBApb87D5LZLQy2AjOPTyT4_-7mO1dyEWOcXtCvEyciAUzOXS0/s1600/IMG_1693.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was home for 12 nights in the bush.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxP2429lx-j3ABtNQh8Tg8Sj0X535CWhy8alggjGzvzX6fhgyVv8l-_tJEzwsHYAbORMxcYzM77IYc9BuSaefS1Q38WyktRT6mn15-37laxKDuJQyCF4K-uY6Hd8OkjV0MvGP3FxR_6X4/s1600/IMG_1830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxP2429lx-j3ABtNQh8Tg8Sj0X535CWhy8alggjGzvzX6fhgyVv8l-_tJEzwsHYAbORMxcYzM77IYc9BuSaefS1Q38WyktRT6mn15-37laxKDuJQyCF4K-uY6Hd8OkjV0MvGP3FxR_6X4/s1600/IMG_1830.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">His voice was like the roar of rushing waters, and the land was radiant with his glory....Ezekial 43:2</span></td></tr>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the training was over, our family had a chance to
drive down to the border of Zimbabwe and take in one of the seven wonders of
the world. Simply put, Victoria Falls is
the greatest single part of creation I have seen. Almost a mile wide, and
almost four hundred feet high, the falls are the largest in the world. To stand on the edge of the gorge and feel
the mist, check that, torrential downpour resulting from the falls and to hear
the rumble in my chest was really hard to describe. Add to that feeling the anxiety of trying to
hold on to Benny (2) and Nehemiah (4) and our emotions were all over the
place. All of the lookout points were at
the top of sheer 400’ cliffs with little or no railing - let’s just say that Africa’s safety
regulations are quite as restrictive as America’s. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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All in all, the 30+ days without cell phone coverage, data
plans, twitter and voxer allowed us a chance to truly sync with Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We came to love Africa and its people even
more than before when there were no other distractions, no lure to check in with
family or find out what was happening back in the good ‘ole USA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously by writing this blog and posting it
on the Internet we have not decided to give up wholly on our connectivity, but we
did realize that maybe we were still a little too connected to “home”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We still desire to stay in touch regularly,
face time with grandparents, and check our social media – but we’ve got to
learn to do it much less often and focus on the place and the people we have been set among.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHo_NKVYEcsYNtnGpDMcyJP4juMkWLxqJjEf-RDUo_BD_o36VPe2oMMZFOFwczJ60nyGvic8xeuQpx90b2-1c02tTBKiZN-uEyaSnOw7ppTu6Hdn1njC9ILPMO_NU29DOPr0xTLUS8MWg/s1600/IMG_3529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHo_NKVYEcsYNtnGpDMcyJP4juMkWLxqJjEf-RDUo_BD_o36VPe2oMMZFOFwczJ60nyGvic8xeuQpx90b2-1c02tTBKiZN-uEyaSnOw7ppTu6Hdn1njC9ILPMO_NU29DOPr0xTLUS8MWg/s1600/IMG_3529.JPG" height="121" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A panoramic of our worship time in the village. We had a few other couples with us.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4hNAcXN-ETbCyk_9E9Rf-PAys9y0GvatCTXZGvQyU3w05EkypPGUV_l6p-wG7e_ImwF0bisCcoNn-t9x3LImfz8N34AOijTJoKCJr8CmcOkSpGP1yKUlcwuvhn32wY1-TUhdzDhtG0c/s1600/IMG_3523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4hNAcXN-ETbCyk_9E9Rf-PAys9y0GvatCTXZGvQyU3w05EkypPGUV_l6p-wG7e_ImwF0bisCcoNn-t9x3LImfz8N34AOijTJoKCJr8CmcOkSpGP1yKUlcwuvhn32wY1-TUhdzDhtG0c/s1600/IMG_3523.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainey teaching the youth in the village.</td></tr>
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<o:p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlDK1jbqsM-_FcRcU7qvJgkesYw1eJk_H8e5kslXt1pWJ9Uj3axwYGfeH8TWuUIx1Dlk9yj42_umOvAkLs0zgf-d4zaTnBUMMpgMotYbsZ7SWckzj0UQFcXCFQLiknBJrKbs8DYYyiA8/s1600/IMG_1884.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlDK1jbqsM-_FcRcU7qvJgkesYw1eJk_H8e5kslXt1pWJ9Uj3axwYGfeH8TWuUIx1Dlk9yj42_umOvAkLs0zgf-d4zaTnBUMMpgMotYbsZ7SWckzj0UQFcXCFQLiknBJrKbs8DYYyiA8/s1600/IMG_1884.PNG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first bungee jump....at Victoria falls off the bridge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>When we return to Mombasa our work will begin in earnest. No more training, no more trips, no more classes, or transition. Just our family, in the place we have been called to, with the hope of making a difference. A difference today, tomorrow, and for eternity.</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From Africa,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NLD making peanut butter in the village.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Dinkins</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sa and Rou at their Med Clinic in the village.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243986193130967655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556125164611378405.post-34127435294880706462014-02-26T22:56:00.000-08:002014-02-26T22:58:00.306-08:00Goodbye Mountains and Hello Coast!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"No Weather Beats Fashion"<br />
an obvious reference to the heat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A month has passed and so much has changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have said goodbye to many good friends in
Iringa, and we have driven across international boundaries into Kenya, finding
our long sought home of Mombasa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am typing this now because I can’t sleep, it is 5:40 am
and power has been out for a couple of hours, which means fans don’t work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No fans = no sleep, at least for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The power outage brought all 3 boys to my bed
and each of them seemed to be set on having some appendage on top of some part
of my body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried at 4:00 am to
explain we all would feel cooler if our skin didn’t touch but no one seemed to
believe this theory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I left them with
Sarah and I have come downstairs to write our first Mombasa entry.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWBBJf_w5N75nmekAao3B5mW4q8KmJBOtJ6O-hoDjZ_ed89aiGvfPQYveVuqWv9ucl2Z13vpDQV5tj4aK1Lv9pQMsYBCs-mBqiHXRdu7kH1ym7F8LALgNOpNQjERoNU0MnCWIf65yesag/s1600/IMG_1317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWBBJf_w5N75nmekAao3B5mW4q8KmJBOtJ6O-hoDjZ_ed89aiGvfPQYveVuqWv9ucl2Z13vpDQV5tj4aK1Lv9pQMsYBCs-mBqiHXRdu7kH1ym7F8LALgNOpNQjERoNU0MnCWIf65yesag/s1600/IMG_1317.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> NLD and Benny telling James, <br />
one of our Swahili teachers, <br />
goodbye.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our trip to Mombasa began well, and ended well, it was the
part in the middle that was little hairy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a two-day trip that we began on Wednesday the 19<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The clutch in our truck went out about 2
hours before our stop for the first night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So there we were, on the side of an African road, with a rooftop carrier
full to the brim, a 1957 aluminum trailer so full we couldn’t close the top,
and a truck full of 6 humans, a guinea pig (transport for a friend), a cat, and
5 chickens. Seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Thankfully, in
true Dinkins style, I had strapped two plastic chairs, a pack and play, and a
stroller to the top of the trailer we couldn’t close with strips of rubber from
used inner tubes (that is the closest
thing you can find to a bungee cord here).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So we unloaded our chairs and stroller and proceeded to have
a nice picnic there on the shoulder of the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure we were a sight for the many
African buses that paraded by all afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We drew many honks, and a lot more stares.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, we had a decent shoulder to push
the truck onto off the road and we also had cell service, which is
absolutely not a guarantee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were able
to call friends who came from two different directions, each about 2 hours away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They arrived within 5 minutes of each other
after our long wait and we were able to take one of their cars on to our
stopping point that night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The friends
used their other truck to tow our vehicle to a safe place for the night and
reunited with us later that evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All
in all it was worse for our friends that it was for us (except for Nehemiah who
managed two bee stings during our 2+ hour “picnic”).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEXgPLA4merCDaSVMkoo80hKyiy7nMYy-clpmdEtfcTyRfwXpCF5P-dBF7Hbv0OFe9p_ei4OHpSMKNUPPg_tJTNXOlnOaa7tRroMbtvVJJrI6LUhZj4-zWJyP7bnGTgNpze2GmShxAyw/s1600/IMG_1346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEXgPLA4merCDaSVMkoo80hKyiy7nMYy-clpmdEtfcTyRfwXpCF5P-dBF7Hbv0OFe9p_ei4OHpSMKNUPPg_tJTNXOlnOaa7tRroMbtvVJJrI6LUhZj4-zWJyP7bnGTgNpze2GmShxAyw/s1600/IMG_1346.JPG" height="206" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">African "picnic" induced by our clutch burning up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rg5Lk_5SW4Di7LNwQCFm9h-vGh3i5_JZsKYquPsbwePk-nXyO8wqhTdj3leDAFQDyfJXQVrsVuFJuSoGXmeq-U31962jjLQEIwEebe_DGJZlIebFld2Xbv2h4KkLdljioQOkJWmtUp8/s1600/IMG_1340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rg5Lk_5SW4Di7LNwQCFm9h-vGh3i5_JZsKYquPsbwePk-nXyO8wqhTdj3leDAFQDyfJXQVrsVuFJuSoGXmeq-U31962jjLQEIwEebe_DGJZlIebFld2Xbv2h4KkLdljioQOkJWmtUp8/s1600/IMG_1340.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nehemiah loving his chic during <br />
our car trouble.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday we were forced to rest while we worked out a
vehicle situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was actually a
blessing because we would need the rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Friday we headed out on the road again and only had about 4 hours to
finish our trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These were the most
stressful however because they involved our first unassisted border
crossing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One, it’s an African border,
second, they speak Swahili, third we had undocumented animals in the
truck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really don’t know how drug
runners do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stress is almost
unbearable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I had been unable to get
these chickens across the border, I would have had to answer to Sarah (the
chicken whisperer) on why I didn’t get to the vet for the appropriate
paperwork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throw in the guinea pig<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(an extra and unplanned for critter we picked up during our overnight stay to deliver to Mombasa friends) and I felt like I
had 50 kilos of white powder under my seat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrf665jNdIs56y1Pare-bXHBgwYdvNdiN3Df__OPIiTdVzgvS1OkIqQWtwt43gY5Da3kyy1Zbtdqh6p2qxeOlPGzs5iuYgxkHHC6zlBbWsD5POu2GmcfDfkMU0-J7sQU34N_2eFVAQ2o/s1600/IMG_1296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrf665jNdIs56y1Pare-bXHBgwYdvNdiN3Df__OPIiTdVzgvS1OkIqQWtwt43gY5Da3kyy1Zbtdqh6p2qxeOlPGzs5iuYgxkHHC6zlBbWsD5POu2GmcfDfkMU0-J7sQU34N_2eFVAQ2o/s1600/IMG_1296.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At a friend's house - feel free to <br />
caption this yourself!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I played it cool, left the kiddos in the car at the customs
stop, answered all their questions truthfully and they never asked about
animals or looked in the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the
last guard handed us our paperwork through our cracked window (we couldn’t
unroll all the way lest he hear a cocka-doodle-doo or see the cat) we passed
through the last gate and hit the accelerator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were free!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our car erupted in
cheers and the party was started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a
few hours later we were crossing on the ferry into Mombasa. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpO9C_zoOLVVHEixrVX4VPzzAMHAb5b3aCFbhIZVPQ92tRB0ix4tkoPgjI-pvd9Ic2gjbLHZ26VKeSCY7uFgjEuMIihky4K_JKQr3GlcZ-IBmZ7gVv5SLw_zOXuWNDAEQulxfsWeAe_Do/s1600/IMG_1242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpO9C_zoOLVVHEixrVX4VPzzAMHAb5b3aCFbhIZVPQ92tRB0ix4tkoPgjI-pvd9Ic2gjbLHZ26VKeSCY7uFgjEuMIihky4K_JKQr3GlcZ-IBmZ7gVv5SLw_zOXuWNDAEQulxfsWeAe_Do/s1600/IMG_1242.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last meal with the young boys we had been <br />
ministering to in Iringa.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It has been tough acclimating to the heat but we have been
able to bear it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our new home is more
than adequate, and we even purchased two single-room AC units to aid us in
sleeping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They aren’t quite working yet
though as we’ve got some electrical problems we are sorting through. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is a relief to finally be here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3 years of planning, training, learning, and
travelling to get here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is time for
the rubber to finally meet the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pray for us as we do adapt, as we begin our work next week with the
NGO.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will be looking for
opportunities where we can serve folks through community and business
development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The needs are endless, so
we seek wisdom from God to put our time, resources, and efforts where he would
have them, that they would have a positive affect on people lives now, but that
they would also allow opportunities to share the news for eternity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWY8sdiHRrXlvKHClUmW6IjdDYHLrqER5bVc6qsnbqbOhS6EatkL_VKJ_gq6dQOuY6qUKUKVYJBb0nrTza_UdJs3hDDUrsDfBtxotEeQ5-xqF_pSJonbv8Q4QAQhK5uRayyQRUcpQs4Nk/s1600/IMG_1337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWY8sdiHRrXlvKHClUmW6IjdDYHLrqER5bVc6qsnbqbOhS6EatkL_VKJ_gq6dQOuY6qUKUKVYJBb0nrTza_UdJs3hDDUrsDfBtxotEeQ5-xqF_pSJonbv8Q4QAQhK5uRayyQRUcpQs4Nk/s1600/IMG_1337.JPG" height="200" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had an outing to a nature park for NLD's birthday <br />
and were entertained by this jumping baboon and several pythons.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Finally here,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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The Dinkins<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
**almost forgot, if you would like more information about our work, and ways you can be praying for us, please email me at stephen.dinkins@gmail.com and I will add you to our list for that as well. *</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243986193130967655noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556125164611378405.post-64034912750856224652014-02-06T10:49:00.000-08:002014-02-06T10:49:04.355-08:00Forward <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Our long journey is nearing completion. On February 20th, Lord willing, we will embark on a loooong drive to Mombasa Kenya where we will live and work for the foreseeable future. It will be nice to have house to call home, to grow some roots in a community, and to care about the paint color in any particular room! It has been well over a year since any of those were true and over 2.5 years since we pulled out of Sumter driving the UHAUL.<br />
<br />
We are grateful for the support and prayers that have been lifted on our behalf since the inception of our adventure. Our language is going well, we are gaining confidence and starting to hear the spoken language better. We have realized, and conceded, that language is something that keeps growing. Our idea of "fluent" is still a long way off and it will take several years of speaking the language and making mistakes to get to that point. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-eaaF_wT1axsssTLf-WoPUvrpcmCSTWB-ftnRPynCtbRiSIIiVYunXKc7SlE_KxNmxmJzbxtUKbHtrV25YUU1ieMOC6VwIIHo14YQHuUBm6iNVexXUqMD4_1fuD6Qxx7hMAeK9gOsDo/s1600/IMG_1076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-eaaF_wT1axsssTLf-WoPUvrpcmCSTWB-ftnRPynCtbRiSIIiVYunXKc7SlE_KxNmxmJzbxtUKbHtrV25YUU1ieMOC6VwIIHo14YQHuUBm6iNVexXUqMD4_1fuD6Qxx7hMAeK9gOsDo/s1600/IMG_1076.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainey rocking it out for "Headlight" in our house on Friday nights</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Rainey is doing well, though she has times, like me, when she misses "home" and our family and friends there. She is, however, investing heavily in the students around her and has had roughly 15 students in our house every Friday night for the last 4 weeks to fellowship, play games, eat, and study the bible. She plays her guitar and leads music every week and she even taught the lesson one week herself. It is not easy to live as a teenager cross culturally but she is making the best of it and Sarah and I are proud of her efforts. <br />
<br />
Asa is diligent with his schoolwork and his after school clubs. A couple of days a week he stays after school for football club (soccer) and he is getting better and better. He also stays one afternoon a week to learn new boardgames. I am happy to see him having fun after school, when I was kid if I was at school after 2:00 it was because I was writing the Gettysburg address on the chalkboard 100 times. <br />
<br />
Nehemiah and Benny continue to light this place up. As Benny grows he is able to do more and more and he and NLD are growing closer. It is a joy to watch them play and explore together. Now the potential of damage from inadequate supervision has not doubled but rather grown exponentially. One of their favorite activities is to go to town, where I sneak them a chocolate bar before Sarah can find out, and on our return they climb on top of our truck and sit on the the luggage rack on our dirt road and driveway. You should see the looks on some of the nationals' faces.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikiYn8dFEILPA7plWtmgIK4CfuFj_mWJMDvm_HgmnwctwYVtLEVZYzzgST-nq79uTmYJ55rLaGOsjJqnSWrJ3kBgyve4zJYZml65kgkUo5AT90XR1NusaAwkfEVGp8YjtonUiQspvi4I8/s1600/IMG_1200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikiYn8dFEILPA7plWtmgIK4CfuFj_mWJMDvm_HgmnwctwYVtLEVZYzzgST-nq79uTmYJ55rLaGOsjJqnSWrJ3kBgyve4zJYZml65kgkUo5AT90XR1NusaAwkfEVGp8YjtonUiQspvi4I8/s1600/IMG_1200.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asa, Nehemiah, and Benny sorting out their candy from FBC!</td></tr>
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The circle of life continues here too - Rainbow just hatched another chick and Sa (aka Dr. Doolittle) actually saw him come out of the shell. Our turtles have escaped, we've had to return a cat (not Rainey's) and also had a brief episode with a goat - but those are all stories for another update. Right now we are focusing on being lean for our 13 hour drive to Mombasa with a vehicle and trailer that would embarrass Granny Clampett.<br />
<br />
Don't send anymore mail to our Iringa address, we will not get it before we leave - and if by chance you have sent anything, please email and let us know so we can search the post office for it before we leave. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our good friend Mama Elizabeth and her two children</td></tr>
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Emails will stay the same, but our phone numbers will change so we will update those when we cross the border. We will also post a new address for Mombasa should you feel the need to drop a bag of sour patch kids in an envelope made out specifically to me....just saying.<br />
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Our next update will be complete with pictures of our new home, city, and community. Keep praying for our family's health and safety, our journey to Mombasa, and our work ahead with the NGO doing business and community development - that we would find areas where we can help and make a positive difference in lives. Until Mombasa.........<br />
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From Africa,<br />
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The Dinkins<br />
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"<i>I am prepared to go anywhere, provided it be forward</i>" - David Livingstone<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUrYt2UWZQSEw6QF73wZ-K1r0nJ8pPHwPiGnhWXG7OEnBbn6F8E1aFFXdahvY8P470K42eLajeeBtLDMuxDqS4KyRPME1SVAqwmnvXuSJJPPB0o_9uKP95YaqeMObLKYnpFx452CeyI4/s1600/IMG_0827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUrYt2UWZQSEw6QF73wZ-K1r0nJ8pPHwPiGnhWXG7OEnBbn6F8E1aFFXdahvY8P470K42eLajeeBtLDMuxDqS4KyRPME1SVAqwmnvXuSJJPPB0o_9uKP95YaqeMObLKYnpFx452CeyI4/s1600/IMG_0827.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8 boys w/o families come over every Tuesday</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243986193130967655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556125164611378405.post-80393565180381165452014-01-01T00:50:00.002-08:002014-01-01T03:19:16.474-08:00A glance back and a gaze forward, resolving to seek God and what He wants for us and from us<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
2013 was without question the wildest, scariest, and most adventurous of our lives. It began with 8 weeks of training in Virginia, a quick stop in SC to say goodbye, continued for 3 months in Vancouver Canada, a month in Kenya, and finished in Tanzania.<br />
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We just returned from a few days at the beach which were an absolute blessing. We were able to take a break from language, focus on our family, and just rest and have fun. After such a tempestuous year, to end it so peacefully was a gift.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxxVu5ILrHeuZmFEgiOKE8ywfrQYHc2zX4WVUOAXGK1pB7aWlEAwI3YJgJsKHYlZxyiQbcDm1gjmwVDHGiYsP5ZYFbRayCsesMYbgAc40wYEZB_daxk2ck5uW4PBl83kXzVawNR3wnOU/s1600/IMG_1380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxxVu5ILrHeuZmFEgiOKE8ywfrQYHc2zX4WVUOAXGK1pB7aWlEAwI3YJgJsKHYlZxyiQbcDm1gjmwVDHGiYsP5ZYFbRayCsesMYbgAc40wYEZB_daxk2ck5uW4PBl83kXzVawNR3wnOU/s320/IMG_1380.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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To describe our year as "transitional" would be an understatement. Learning to adapt, to be flexible and fluid has been our m.o. Globetrotting with four kids in tow is not for the faint of heart, and we have at times certainly been emotionally and physically spent. But it has been worth it. First, because we know the Lord has called us to Africa, second because the experiences for each of the six of us will forever shape us and our worldview for the better. </div>
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Meeting new friends, learning a new language, experiencing and adapting to new cultures, seeing God's beautiful creation in Africa, and experiencing brushes with terrorism and medical emergencies have all been events that shaped us and formed us closer to who He wants us to be.</div>
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We would not trade the last 12 months and we would do it all over again for how it has changed us. We are constantly reminded there is SO MUCH MORE out there than we were seeing and experiencing. Our fear of losing something good was keeping us from experiencing something great. God indeed has a plan for us, and it is greater than what we are able to design for ourselves. We have to be willing to take the plunge, to walk where it scares us, and to be obedient to the pull in our souls.</div>
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Sarah and I are not perfect, we are sinners thankful for a Savior. We disappoint him daily I am sure, but we are trying to follow him, to serve him, and to please him in what we do. We are thankful for the favor he poured into our lives to enable us to say yes to the call to Africa. We would not have been able to but for his matchless grace.</div>
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Looking ahead to 2014 we are so excited. Another 8 weeks in Iringa to polish our language, improve our vocabulary, and practice sharing the truths that are eternal. Then we finally hit our destination of Mombasa. For three years we have been working towards that point, where we can settle into a community, invest in people's lives, and make an eternal difference for people that have not heard the truth of the good news. </div>
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We are thankful for this break in the calendar that allows us to reflect on the year past and look forward strategically and expectantly to the year ahead. We have set some goals for our work, for our family, for our personal lives and we are anxious to see how the Lord leads us in this year. We rejoice in today and thank the Lord for the past. We have a hope for the future grounded in the one true king and our expectations are for him to continue to transform us and the nations for is glory.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243986193130967655noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556125164611378405.post-51377109793053713412013-11-27T11:44:00.000-08:002013-11-27T11:44:45.627-08:00Thanksgiving is the same in Africa (sort of)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Thank you Jesus for forgiving my all of my sins, healing all of my diseases, and redeeming my life from the pit and crowning me with your steadfast love and mercy (Psalm 103). Every good and perfect gift comes from you, and you do not change (James 1:17).<div>
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Thank you for friends and family, relationships that add to my joy, sharpen my walk following Jesus, and provide the encouragement I need to take another step. </div>
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Thank you for your word, which is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword (Heb 4:12). Thank you for your revelation to your creation and your desire to bring us back into a saving relationship with you (2 Peter 3:9).</div>
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Thank you for changing my heart and making me a new creation (2 Cor 5:17), clothed with Jesus righteousness (Zechariah 3:3). </div>
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Thank you Father for the wife you have gifted me and the children you have bestowed to us. Thank you that I have never gone hungry. That I was raised in a family who loved you and me. That you have given me warmth, health, and shelter. Trucks, houses, land, medical care, safety. There is no place to end. For everything in my life I thank you, the one true God who is sovereign over everything.</div>
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Aside from our physical location, our food, our new friends, and new language, Thanksgiving remains the same. It is a time to celebrate what the Lord has done for us, to recognize that he is the ONLY source for good in our lives and thank him deeply for every little (and big) thing in our lives. He is so worthy to be worshipped and followed. The Dinkins in Africa thank him for the chance to follow him to East Africa and for those who love us so well back home.</div>
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Tomorrow we will celebrate with new friends (and Granny and Mimi all the way from South Carolina!) and do our best to enjoy American traditions. Benny and I went and found a turkey today form a local farmer - we got to watch them strut around the yard, pick the one we wanted, and tie him up and bring him home! Once we got home I had some help to kill, pluck, and clean him (out of sight of Sarah and the kids) and I just finished getting him prepped for the oven in the morning (with many instructions from my mother). </div>
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Our language is going well, though it can still be a little overwhelming. Just when you gain confidence from studying vocab and having a couple of good conversations, you meet someone who talks 100mph and you can't understand anything. We have made progress but have a long way to go. </div>
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Rainey and Asa are really hitting their stride in school, meeting friends and finding their place. Tonight after a rugby match Rainey had 8 friends over to "hang out". Sarah quickly whipped up some food for them and they played a few games and laughed a lot. The little ones are doing well to and for the most part we are all healthy and injury free (minus a stomach bug here and there). </div>
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Mom and Amelia arrived last Friday and they have been a tremendous blessing for each of us. They will stay until Tuesday, so we are cherishing each day and already planning their next visit. The kids have loved showing off Iringa to them, giving them guided tours of their school, the local markets, and "western" hot spots for coffee.</div>
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We hope that you have a blessed day of thanksgiving with your family and that your entire holiday season is full of thanks and reflection on what is most important and what the Lord has in store for you.</div>
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Ever Thankful,</div>
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The Dinkins</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243986193130967655noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556125164611378405.post-25294891162090682832013-10-28T03:20:00.002-07:002013-10-28T03:20:23.807-07:00Life is Back to Normal (Sort of)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">If there is such a thing as normal in Africa,
our life is back to it. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">After a rocky September, we have found the relatively calm waters
of October. We are back in Iringa
Tanzania and are pursuing the language again with the passion of when we first
arrived. We are starting to get a taste of what it is like to
communicate in Swahili, the heart language here, and we love it. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVBAy-r54EgH_bzB3UAjhTSfh5yEsUt9JsOV71jLmXOF2ZsM615Q4rp5DuBMMS9IBVCz93DG4-VMwHQ-pA_wjnZExXxX9XieYY5x2rv93bElaSuaV0oDpwqU4jJjgRsiSLbIoxRxhZ90/s1600/IMG_1947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVBAy-r54EgH_bzB3UAjhTSfh5yEsUt9JsOV71jLmXOF2ZsM615Q4rp5DuBMMS9IBVCz93DG4-VMwHQ-pA_wjnZExXxX9XieYY5x2rv93bElaSuaV0oDpwqU4jJjgRsiSLbIoxRxhZ90/s320/IMG_1947.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> We
have settled back into a rhythm with school for Rainey and Asa, and language
lessons for Sarah and me. All of the kids are relatively healthy and
your prayers (and ours) have been answered thus far with no other accidents or
illnesses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> We
are finding ourselves vested more and more in the people here in Iringa and
that is a blessing. We are developing relationships that revolve
around eternal things and finding opportunities to share the truth that changes
lives. We are looking forward to our work in Mombasa and we have
friends currently looking for a house to rent there. It is exciting
to think in that after Christmas we will have a chance to finally settle in a
“permanent” home that we can really invest in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">
After the whirlwind travel to Nairobi and all of the
security/terrorism issues there, it has been good to be back in the small town
of Iringa. The president of Tanzania came to town a few days ago to
celebrate the Tanzanian equivalent of our Independence Day. It was
neat to be a part of this culture and see the president and festivities. Every
day our eyes grow wider to a world vision that includes so much more than our
roots in SC. The Father has made such a beautiful creation, so many
beautiful people groups, and so many different cultures. I marvel at
what our kids are being exposed to and the contrast from their worldview as
children compared to mine at their respective ages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuL0ABh6K0BKHi2he7IpN-w9ojvnMOoDO-fnV_VfTf-IfxZ9tX2P43fv2WkdugB-V67aNZF41NhZmrFSmc5kOMeoI58-ulPbXOdswlFeDrCnxUC-qocH-TgVrMSrvgy4YZuLcObACkMWw/s1600/IMG_1945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuL0ABh6K0BKHi2he7IpN-w9ojvnMOoDO-fnV_VfTf-IfxZ9tX2P43fv2WkdugB-V67aNZF41NhZmrFSmc5kOMeoI58-ulPbXOdswlFeDrCnxUC-qocH-TgVrMSrvgy4YZuLcObACkMWw/s200/IMG_1945.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> We
will do our best to keep you updated and in the loop as we move forward and as
always, we enjoying hearing from you.
Don’t be shy to drop us an email and let us know what is happening in
your family’s life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> On
the adventure,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Stephen,
Sarah, Rainey, Asa, Nehemiah, and Benny<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">(Along
with many critters)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243986193130967655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556125164611378405.post-69949534358089814712013-09-26T22:21:00.000-07:002013-09-26T22:21:34.909-07:00Wheezing, Malaria, Burns, & Terrorism<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Malaria, Wheezing, Burns, & Terrorism<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is no good place to begin since our last blog
entry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So much has happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are tired, but we are recovering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many readers may have received email prayer
requests and so this may be redundant but bear with me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not long after our last entry on 9/3/13 our youngest began
to have significant wheezing (significant as defined by his parents in a rural
African town).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were on the phone with
a dear doctor friend at home and with some medical folks from our company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After several days of pretty heavy treatments
nothing was getting better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the fifth
day our company decided to fly Benny and me to Nairobi to see an allergist and
try and get things under control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were in Nairobi one week waiting on Benny to improve with new medication.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two days before we returned home, Sarah
called me with news that Nehemiah and come down with Malaria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They visited the hospital to confirm with blood
work and he began treatments that day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We finally were able to go back to our family in Iringa on a
Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived in the morning, had a
great lunch with our whole family and decided to visit a friend’s house out on
the edge of town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was here that
Nehemiah (our 3 year old) stumbled in a dark room and fell into or over a small
charcoal stove that had a pot of boiling water on it (We, nor our host,
realized that an adult sister was in the room cooking with this small charcoal stove).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> That night, while he laid on my chest with burns on his backside, he took his final malaria treatment. Poor little guy was having a rough go of it.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He suffered 2<sup>nd</sup> degree burns on his bottom, the
back of his thighs and on one foot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
rushed him to the local hospital and then the next day by the Lord’s provision
we flew back to Nairobi with the entire family for Nehemiah to receive proper
care for his burns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are 14 days past
the accident now and Nehemiah is doing better each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is eager to bust outside and burn some
energy but we are trying to keep the reigns on him a little longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are so thankful for the Lord’s healing and the hundreds
that have been praying for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will
be in Nairobi for a few more days as we make sure we are all rested and NLD is
totally healed before we head back to Iringa for language training again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Roughly one-mile away terrorists attacked a shopping mall
and murdered over 60 people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sarah and
her mom (Susan, Sarah’s sister Kelly, and a dear friend Martha Hester came to
Nairobi to love on us and encourage us as we dealt with another trial) were
getting in the cab headed over to Westgate (the mall attacked) when the taxi
driver said he had heard there was shooting there and he took them to another
mall with grocery store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, we are
thankful for the Lord’s timing and protection for our family, though our hearts
hurt for the many that were slaughtered by the radical Islamic terrorists. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been surreal to have something to
terrible to happen so close by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could
see the black smoke billowing up from the explosions in the mall from our
yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, boring our journey has not been!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been quite a ride so far in Africa. Adventure would be a gross understatement, but through it all we are thankful to God that is has not been worse and that he has been our protector. We are committed to our service and we look
forward to what lies ahead. We do thank
many of you that have sent notes, emails, and prayers our way. It has made all the difference.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hoping October holds better days for our family and East
Africa,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Dinkins<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243986193130967655noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556125164611378405.post-71756856427728904882013-09-03T15:16:00.000-07:002013-09-03T15:16:24.169-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKwkNF8ftsWLUoXsoSQIh9N7923FDp6dm866BnvcOF88hVhPLA5SD9jXBlp3DzEGR_7KdvMcpkyeMhEdI2JQuzai0NW8ODPUzdLfXgvrlNsXtWZpZrsCdmkDiqyl0NhRssVG5YC1Iw3A/s1600/IMG_1016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKwkNF8ftsWLUoXsoSQIh9N7923FDp6dm866BnvcOF88hVhPLA5SD9jXBlp3DzEGR_7KdvMcpkyeMhEdI2JQuzai0NW8ODPUzdLfXgvrlNsXtWZpZrsCdmkDiqyl0NhRssVG5YC1Iw3A/s320/IMG_1016.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first Sunday in Tanzania at church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I am trying hard not to begin this post with some Swahili. It is tempting to "show off" our new language skills, but I would inevitably make mistakes that someone would notice. We have finished our first month of language school here in Iringa and it has been eventful.<br />
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We have had a few setbacks, but thankfully by God's grace we have bounced back each time. Benny suffered trough a terrible ear infection, we all took turns with some stomach issues (thank you Africa), I was in bed a couple of days with a bad back, and Nehemiah slammed his finger in our door and completely sheered off his right middle fingernail. That required a trip to the local hospital to make sure it wasn't broken or didn't need more attention than we could give it with our $15 Wal-Mart first aid kit. After cleaning it, the surgeon inspected it and felt comfortable it would heal. He said it would take up to a year for it to completely heal and look normal. Please pray that the Lord would heal it totally and that we would be able to keep it clean and injury free while it does!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haircut time</td></tr>
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<br />
Our language lessons are going well and we are making steady, if slow, progress on vocabulary and basic grammar. We are finding out that the easy part is memorization and recognition of the written words but hearing and understanding the locals speak is whole different task. Rainey seems to do this much better than Sarah and I. I think her musical ear is really paying dividends.<br />
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Sarah's chickens are doing well, we just had four small chicks hatch this past weekend. Asa and Nehemiah are ecstatic about having more critters. These will be on top of the kitten Rainey has adopted and the turtle that our language teacher brought the boys!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rou painting the fingernails of a new friend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had the chance to visit Ruaha National Park this past Saturday. It was truly amazing to take in God's creation in such a close-up fashion. We saw 8 lions in three different groupings and two of the sightings we were able to drive within about 10 yards of them. They were magnificent. It was a little surreal, being so close and knowing that if you got out of the car you would be dead in minutes. We also got up close and personal with a pile of elephants and giraffes and even saw some Kudu, which are usually pretty reclusive. We hunted hard for cheetahs and leopards but struck out, but there is always next time.<br />
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We have had opportunities to share our faith with some that speak English and have been encouraged by their responses. We look forward to the day when our Swahili doesn't present boundaries with the people we come into contact with or the work we will be doing with the NGO.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbV7amyrfKUpMB7gbIKK9ebIpui0G4ae2aNdfFUBLhwsm0MwJKcS6X2-EfRJL56AQICuqnt35_sn8G1SDIYqnUpV_N7WbHX_GBZf1H5ycts8Zl8aHm_uNxPBFsKufPsJyQrY8jtIphy1c/s1600/IMG_0647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbV7amyrfKUpMB7gbIKK9ebIpui0G4ae2aNdfFUBLhwsm0MwJKcS6X2-EfRJL56AQICuqnt35_sn8G1SDIYqnUpV_N7WbHX_GBZf1H5ycts8Zl8aHm_uNxPBFsKufPsJyQrY8jtIphy1c/s320/IMG_0647.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Took this picture off of our back porch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Rainey and Asa started Iringa International School on Monday and have had fun getting back in a school rhythm and meeting friends. Their classmates are all African or European, but each of them have a few American teachers so they have enjoyed connecting with them. Below are some more pictures of what we are up to and what life looks like on this side of the world. If you would like more real-time pictures or updates on African happenings, follow Sarah, Rainey, or me on Twitter or Instagram, the buttons are above.<br />
<br />
Following Him,<br />
<br />
The Dinkins<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTb2U3qVx6jEx_7WU-ndD6w5yUk2cllVe_eMcSjceH6CVoAJy7-A1_3kiRR5o64jDJ6UMqLeTxA7rcQp-4lNciQ7kRE_o7AlT2G_cr7CCwVAgIwcjHY7LQsQCNjkx46EsP06OqTmp-RCo/s1600/IMG_0908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTb2U3qVx6jEx_7WU-ndD6w5yUk2cllVe_eMcSjceH6CVoAJy7-A1_3kiRR5o64jDJ6UMqLeTxA7rcQp-4lNciQ7kRE_o7AlT2G_cr7CCwVAgIwcjHY7LQsQCNjkx46EsP06OqTmp-RCo/s320/IMG_0908.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rou's adopted daughter, Gladys</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243986193130967655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556125164611378405.post-59791827965583528752013-08-03T22:44:00.002-07:002013-08-04T05:45:11.160-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It has been exactly one month since we landed on African soil, and exactly four months since we left American soil. It as been a long road but it has been worth it to know we are in God's plan. We are now in Tanzania doing language school. We have been here a little over a week and half and have just completed our first two days of school. <br />
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We are all settling into our new house and have enjoyed meeting our neighbors and getting to know them as we adjust and figure out the little things like the market, buying prepaid electricity, and of course finding the all important Coca Cola Classic vendor station. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YedXD-T5sMEuN2D1Bi9OZdsV9ArWnprTMh-VkwTnPy4o33DsJgJ5YGr0JQjRmA_xRRctQHjZWKDWDVS9Wbe9nblTJDOdPhx5lYVx2grp7hlxNh1kaj3c5fksWyn14TiJyQq2YTBWjqI/s1600/shopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YedXD-T5sMEuN2D1Bi9OZdsV9ArWnprTMh-VkwTnPy4o33DsJgJ5YGr0JQjRmA_xRRctQHjZWKDWDVS9Wbe9nblTJDOdPhx5lYVx2grp7hlxNh1kaj3c5fksWyn14TiJyQq2YTBWjqI/s1600/shopping.jpg" /></a></div>
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We were here for two days when Sarah went to the market to buy the basics and stock our new kitchen. She returned two hours later with few grocery items and two chickens! <br />
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She told me she saved them from the butcher. We had no chicken coop, pen, or enclosure so the first night they slept in our laundry room, roosting on Sarah's ironing board. Asa and I quickly got to work on a temporary pen and today just completed their new state of the art chicken coop, complete with chicken wire and everything. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHr_vBnyQMpGxgMKzBVO6T4oxFw-73GnvTLvBuVM2oqtnqML5_-QkQ8vS_4kJHjjXEWp0mB6RYjDqb8fZC-RQPtXd0_upk_V2-khYOU32rdn3QAoXWggc8KpJZD22PHk-33d_ZgQkb6Ws/s1600/Sa%2527schickens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHr_vBnyQMpGxgMKzBVO6T4oxFw-73GnvTLvBuVM2oqtnqML5_-QkQ8vS_4kJHjjXEWp0mB6RYjDqb8fZC-RQPtXd0_upk_V2-khYOU32rdn3QAoXWggc8KpJZD22PHk-33d_ZgQkb6Ws/s200/Sa%2527schickens.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmM_pZwNJF6OikNKmcj9b37wd_1BMm40knp0sxRRFIgeUGaZa3JUas626JNGuPoM030npAGYOK-mN450l9-h8bIFNhIbosKLCnC2ceZLs5rlcTCcSCTb-51Bs6T8PrhtmpQ0LKH7K0pO0/s1600/birdsonironing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmM_pZwNJF6OikNKmcj9b37wd_1BMm40knp0sxRRFIgeUGaZa3JUas626JNGuPoM030npAGYOK-mN450l9-h8bIFNhIbosKLCnC2ceZLs5rlcTCcSCTb-51Bs6T8PrhtmpQ0LKH7K0pO0/s200/birdsonironing.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDS8t4JWxdqZXfbzDb726D6XZ5QrmstAQ_KjD7PsTRSdP76WhmCLgJ2Yss4lZxWaEZzJiTEPbgLB6Jjrho0eHWjDWROIHK3u-gRln4Lx9N2UN0iKvDz74xESM_rlPQjX9rncLuX1NFS8s/s1600/Coopinprogress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDS8t4JWxdqZXfbzDb726D6XZ5QrmstAQ_KjD7PsTRSdP76WhmCLgJ2Yss4lZxWaEZzJiTEPbgLB6Jjrho0eHWjDWROIHK3u-gRln4Lx9N2UN0iKvDz74xESM_rlPQjX9rncLuX1NFS8s/s1600/Coopinprogress.jpg" /></a></div>
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The kids are excited about starting international school at the end of the month and we are praying for some good new friends for them to connect with. The boys have already made friends with our neighbors - every afternoon Asa, Nehemiah, and Benjamin spend hours with three African boys playing everything from soccer, to tree climbing, and the required game of war complete with bamboo sticks fashioned into guns, crossbows, and canons. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27UdQzVTFcCEAAS-OBFpoMd3N0thNaEngK1Rnrpmd_PpR65cqcXVKQR6MGi1gsY0H3QnDuOI46qDmcNjDI9lK_dLtf0m8ZHMsaYmsXSavxWKR-l75ChVMG8qY9de5kOaWCOolz2DfT5E/s1600/boysonporch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27UdQzVTFcCEAAS-OBFpoMd3N0thNaEngK1Rnrpmd_PpR65cqcXVKQR6MGi1gsY0H3QnDuOI46qDmcNjDI9lK_dLtf0m8ZHMsaYmsXSavxWKR-l75ChVMG8qY9de5kOaWCOolz2DfT5E/s1600/boysonporch.jpg" /></a></div>
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On our drive from the coast of Tanzania inland to Iringa, we passed through the Mikumi National Game Preserve. From the main highway we saw lots of wild animals and had a chance to snap some pictures from the side of the road.<br />
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We expect to be here in Iringa through the end of the year while we learn the language and become proficient enough to communicate on our own (w/o charades) and reach a point where we can truly begin to help others through our job with the NGO and through personal relationships talking about our faith.<br />
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Our mailing address while we are here is:<br />
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Dinkins<br />
PO Box 1131<br />
Iringa, Tanzania<br />
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We would love to hear from you so don't be afraid to send us an email or drop us a note. Looking forward to more stories to share in the future.<br />
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From the heart of Africa,<br />
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The Dinkins<br />
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(Below are some more pics you might enjoy of various things we have seen - the wildlife pics all came from our drive down the highway on the way to our language school town!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLfhVaXdMEJ3yk5599JiH72rzQQEGwEO_ULxaD4vvBGNi2PX3Bm34_DYYifdqg6Ml3Fs_9zVwvOOoFfWT-0zNj57h6Kqt8oooDaTSRHyvtrNCQwk0LWnxNXEywMnGpYihyphenhyphenvpbjK8X_w4/s1600/2013-07-27+16.46.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLfhVaXdMEJ3yk5599JiH72rzQQEGwEO_ULxaD4vvBGNi2PX3Bm34_DYYifdqg6Ml3Fs_9zVwvOOoFfWT-0zNj57h6Kqt8oooDaTSRHyvtrNCQwk0LWnxNXEywMnGpYihyphenhyphenvpbjK8X_w4/s640/2013-07-27+16.46.15.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nehemiah has been picking out his own wardrobe.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQD2suv9k-DpafhLgq5JYDAM8nWcg-_shWPQpnLFG3nlPB0DPX0uQ8_EAbKLWgwTm0havulq5H2WiIeBWkaz0Kbh8NMuQPGREoLpFsggpWCaNBlvO54d7vQfUTykVLSOvE203YS6QFq0c/s1600/2013-07-23+16.45.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQD2suv9k-DpafhLgq5JYDAM8nWcg-_shWPQpnLFG3nlPB0DPX0uQ8_EAbKLWgwTm0havulq5H2WiIeBWkaz0Kbh8NMuQPGREoLpFsggpWCaNBlvO54d7vQfUTykVLSOvE203YS6QFq0c/s400/2013-07-23+16.45.27.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost missed this guy hiding in the bushes when we drove by.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7d3Sasw1VxFfRWsjx4ZMn4-BRCyhe86RhC4mdtjIj_UOftqS8Tl3d2kvl45G2CrCPYv2uJ_DJxcmiTVk0IzWWJRcnAzKZb3oVMqWw_AX-9YUV3Jc0h-Xc4ytWAsadP1jQzdiWiZ5StM/s1600/2013-07-23+16.44.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7d3Sasw1VxFfRWsjx4ZMn4-BRCyhe86RhC4mdtjIj_UOftqS8Tl3d2kvl45G2CrCPYv2uJ_DJxcmiTVk0IzWWJRcnAzKZb3oVMqWw_AX-9YUV3Jc0h-Xc4ytWAsadP1jQzdiWiZ5StM/s400/2013-07-23+16.44.12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nM9-Pu_aWY5u7ZJ2cU-P10fac0gS4H9pPoVNQYSBRZhTVn1bYNszZgAqiBC3dvzH0EMtYhhm9oI1er86dI0Le-iPN3PaOTG2wWgNFt0FQQSILxQyyhyvUwJAGD43QS9kL0wADrxkT4s/s1600/2013-07-23+16.25.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nM9-Pu_aWY5u7ZJ2cU-P10fac0gS4H9pPoVNQYSBRZhTVn1bYNszZgAqiBC3dvzH0EMtYhhm9oI1er86dI0Le-iPN3PaOTG2wWgNFt0FQQSILxQyyhyvUwJAGD43QS9kL0wADrxkT4s/s400/2013-07-23+16.25.36.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mTMVUsJN8SvaQMfKjFeOsi0hwUQHQx8alQuW-VY3FwdJ09s69hSazhcNa_u96rBH-VtPFoTsv2dntVpY1viQepj9FQnYi-b3JQgkQlC0E22mXCj_VqfXKrt3xv0SxAMACyGC-WX0ssE/s1600/2013-07-23+16.33.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mTMVUsJN8SvaQMfKjFeOsi0hwUQHQx8alQuW-VY3FwdJ09s69hSazhcNa_u96rBH-VtPFoTsv2dntVpY1viQepj9FQnYi-b3JQgkQlC0E22mXCj_VqfXKrt3xv0SxAMACyGC-WX0ssE/s400/2013-07-23+16.33.57.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PUMBA!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKgI2vgvkndhpNKOlSAtGpf8ef4eLXimmXMI1d3a2hbTrkEhly2FOYC20QLvZ8ghxyFovK4uIHzRJvw2TAbfDsXKJ3SNFyJhiscT2PXee7iQdwOLvUVopB14qlFGw33jYiQtY80lOCqU/s1600/2013-07-23+16.27.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilKgI2vgvkndhpNKOlSAtGpf8ef4eLXimmXMI1d3a2hbTrkEhly2FOYC20QLvZ8ghxyFovK4uIHzRJvw2TAbfDsXKJ3SNFyJhiscT2PXee7iQdwOLvUVopB14qlFGw33jYiQtY80lOCqU/s400/2013-07-23+16.27.42.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1l8LmPNp5ZurG0wPPnFkDUPKZFTfa3bX4gTikyvQQBuFBUkhahSo3fUyqGTuOhY2m_NHdhbyz7jphjF7asM1FK2psXyT3PVxgvoMRnn7cxpjZ3jYK9kJURpGay_aMKG4iQpSvq8BqkA/s1600/2013-07-27+16.47.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1l8LmPNp5ZurG0wPPnFkDUPKZFTfa3bX4gTikyvQQBuFBUkhahSo3fUyqGTuOhY2m_NHdhbyz7jphjF7asM1FK2psXyT3PVxgvoMRnn7cxpjZ3jYK9kJURpGay_aMKG4iQpSvq8BqkA/s400/2013-07-27+16.47.23.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKlkKfO9nNr04fJsaCqTiuBkAl1_Ydo_uPbzrtfQISpkEUX3H210jG2OOGDSkb2bgjmtSN92yMl7kU-MXKa0A5RYh6SmaShg3AP3EumfQ3l9ALlT8JMZE1GjUuFae6iJgimboihxE4BE/s1600/2013-07-27+16.42.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKlkKfO9nNr04fJsaCqTiuBkAl1_Ydo_uPbzrtfQISpkEUX3H210jG2OOGDSkb2bgjmtSN92yMl7kU-MXKa0A5RYh6SmaShg3AP3EumfQ3l9ALlT8JMZE1GjUuFae6iJgimboihxE4BE/s400/2013-07-27+16.42.36.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Canyon is part of the Isimile Stone age site excavation. Here they have found stone tools used by "cave men" from a looooong time ago along with tools and weapons made from giraffe and hippopatumus bone.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243986193130967655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556125164611378405.post-7444824383656551492013-07-12T04:06:00.002-07:002013-07-12T04:06:24.779-07:00The Moniker is Finally True!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_-9LRYQz4_lI21hl-5ZdOgghZvxm-9yoUNXOfFf3li0O4q2d5Kh_K7YdbDMPg88P_w26Vuodr_aN_lmcliQ20jxtHQc_JVrrKZ7ArzqDS15b7uCNBCRMIgpVKFaPBxQIiNxHROupYvo/s1600/IMG_0280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_-9LRYQz4_lI21hl-5ZdOgghZvxm-9yoUNXOfFf3li0O4q2d5Kh_K7YdbDMPg88P_w26Vuodr_aN_lmcliQ20jxtHQc_JVrrKZ7ArzqDS15b7uCNBCRMIgpVKFaPBxQIiNxHROupYvo/s320/IMG_0280.JPG" width="320" /></a>It has taken awhile, but the name of the blog is now officially true. The Dinkins are indeed in Africa, and we have enjoyed our first week and half. It has been a bit of a blur but there have been so many blessings. We arrived last Tuesday evening after three long flights. We were met at the airport by good friends and found 12 of our 13 bags (our 13th showed up a couple days later). We also could account for all 4 kids, although Benny tried a disappearing act in the Zurich airport that would have made David Copperfield proud. He definitely had our blood pressure up. It was bad enough that we had to signal for help from security. We found him after a few more minutes just ten or twenty feet from a secure door that led to the customs area for Switzerland. Had he gone through that door we would have probably had to get the U.S. Ambassador to help us get him back.<br />
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We spent a few days in Nairobi with some basic orientation and were able to get a vehicle. We drove around a few hours with a friend to make sure I could remember to stay on the right (LEFT) side of the road. There are a few other tricks to driving in Nairobi, like knowing and understanding that everyone else in the country with a car is certifiably crazy. The only rule is there are no rules. Stoplights, signs, and lines are apparently merely suggestions. I feel like I have been waiting all my life to drive in Africa!<br />
On Sunday we drove about 8 hours down to the coast and saw some amazing animals in the wilds of Kenya. We were fortunate enough to see wild elephants, giraffes, a kudu, baboons, dikdik (a really small deer), and some other type of antelope. We were able to snap a few pictures of them and they made the trip go by fast.<br />
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After meeting some more friends along the coast, we visited a couple schools that Rainy and Asa might attend. We also were able to see a doctor for Rainey's back and we had a good checkup. After some of those meetings we had the chance to drive down the coast a couple of hours to some beautiful beaches and enjoy a little down time for a day or two. <br />
We are now back from the beach and packing (again) for a trip back to Nairobi for a few meetings before we head on a three day drive into Tanzania where we will complete language school. We should be there for around six months, but that depends on how quickly we learn the Swahili language. Because Sarah and I are lifelong learners and intense students, we have been watching The Lion King to get a head start on the language.<br />
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We look forward to checking in again once we make it down to TZ with more information and pictures. Thanks for remembering us and we look forward to reporting what happens on this great journey we are on!<br />
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Blessings,<br />
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The Dinkins (In Africa!)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243986193130967655noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556125164611378405.post-52215814401637282622013-06-30T22:15:00.004-07:002013-06-30T22:28:55.435-07:00T minus 12 hours <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In less than 11 hours we will be airborne headed for East Africa. It seems surreal that it is finally upon us. It was over two years ago that the Lord made it clear in my heart and Sarah's that he wanted us (and our children) overseas serving those who have not heard the good news. Since January of 201l, everything we have done has been with this goal in mind. Louisville, Richmond, and Vancouver have all been part of the path leading to tomorrow morning when we takeoff.<br />
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If we didn't know that our God is sovereign and that he ordains our days it might feel like we were flying blind into the great unknown. But we aren't, we are following a clear call, and though not audibly, we can hear the voice of the Father in our ears telling us left or right (Isaiah 30:21). It is of great comfort to know that so many are praying for us as we seek to follow him.<br />
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Many people wonder, and some are brave enough to ask, "Why?" And the answer is because he is worthy of obedience. For us, obedience is serving in East Africa, helping small business and possibly coaching basketball. It is trying to help others, thinking more of our neighbors than ourselves (Gal 5:14) and to be the aroma of Christ in our everyday lives doing our work (2 Corinthians 2:15-17).<br />
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Our move to Africa is a great adventure and we look forward to keeping you filled in with what is happening with each of us.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. Baker in Washington State from our apartment window.</td></tr>
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As we say goodbye to Vancouver, we thank God for his provision, for several special relationships and new friends, for his beautiful creation, and for making the crooked paths straight (Isa 42:16).<br />
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A few memories from our time here will last a lifetime. Lord willing, the next post will be from East Africa!<br />
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Blessings,<br />
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SLD<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclsxx1EH0dAq4P-sXyqmONHezhwlaC3eerTG-i8iGVyVam5Nn6yYHFDffQbTPjuFSBrN-uRc0sLXyrdK42Ll55D99v1ZCrCCWiJGSyup-Sh4GhDUdiucNCSuWZIey1jgQ0C5PB2CUYM4/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclsxx1EH0dAq4P-sXyqmONHezhwlaC3eerTG-i8iGVyVam5Nn6yYHFDffQbTPjuFSBrN-uRc0sLXyrdK42Ll55D99v1ZCrCCWiJGSyup-Sh4GhDUdiucNCSuWZIey1jgQ0C5PB2CUYM4/s320/IMG_0015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nehemiah broke his collarbone Friday </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwSQYX6rSrN0mUiwZwVtM48rlwJiS5xbNugUFVds-jWc07Roe1d5OMNpdySLmcMWL2NIzxZnIsc4_2x6YyDJRlG9l519X3kQjzoIVe2LXlxlzXYH1IS_3fTNzcdGXMkUgUt1J5Z2O4Dc/s1600/IMG_8484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwSQYX6rSrN0mUiwZwVtM48rlwJiS5xbNugUFVds-jWc07Roe1d5OMNpdySLmcMWL2NIzxZnIsc4_2x6YyDJRlG9l519X3kQjzoIVe2LXlxlzXYH1IS_3fTNzcdGXMkUgUt1J5Z2O4Dc/s320/IMG_8484.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rou, Asa, and Nehemiah on the beach at Famous Stanley Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHpZQyv8eMBlU82Lhcbo6AApiLD8B6ylQRWic46vgyAyQ8-Mwny08SmfoSd0j3diidOILJDWwvcne4tLbkxk0puTOwsE9PKBpcNy_fLlgv5NAH_54VcZIKhznfs1YSJTVYE4LbW9TUmE/s1600/IMG_8580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHpZQyv8eMBlU82Lhcbo6AApiLD8B6ylQRWic46vgyAyQ8-Mwny08SmfoSd0j3diidOILJDWwvcne4tLbkxk0puTOwsE9PKBpcNy_fLlgv5NAH_54VcZIKhznfs1YSJTVYE4LbW9TUmE/s400/IMG_8580.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire Alarm proved to be a great time to meet neighbors</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fBXO79pmvb96XZLl2q9v7VL51Co-tuZt-C6fSRKtVq3yHqe9uDBr7LkWgrV8y6hh21SGfO5L22WSZiWnZbl45Tm13C5qJowMp7FJdOe2UqjBX5tvokhZHzDve0aqvSc5M3jf8izoono/s1600/IMG_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fBXO79pmvb96XZLl2q9v7VL51Co-tuZt-C6fSRKtVq3yHqe9uDBr7LkWgrV8y6hh21SGfO5L22WSZiWnZbl45Tm13C5qJowMp7FJdOe2UqjBX5tvokhZHzDve0aqvSc5M3jf8izoono/s320/IMG_0024.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having two big brothers leads to having frequent marks on your face.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243986193130967655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556125164611378405.post-8460909367712416932013-05-11T11:46:00.003-07:002013-05-11T11:48:14.622-07:0050<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We are 50 days out from our flight to East Africa. We are thankful for our time here in Vancouver as we have seen and experienced many neat things during this extra transition. First and foremost we have been sharpened to be greater cross cultural workers. There has been a lot that we have been exposed to and I can't go into too much detail ......but there have been great conversations and we have had the opportunity to share our purpose and vision with many.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKi3ctkPIKUPM5I0K3Zxfq990iBphvXwfDLH5Za10K7rmpquksIFuPsItYGPUBU2jbfijw0TRvO9HIx8geaSxm5IL_G7coRvl9_4pBCXvj1a6LB0mI-nKGa-kGF6FGvGOSspgTHz3KbM/s1600/IMG_8531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKi3ctkPIKUPM5I0K3Zxfq990iBphvXwfDLH5Za10K7rmpquksIFuPsItYGPUBU2jbfijw0TRvO9HIx8geaSxm5IL_G7coRvl9_4pBCXvj1a6LB0mI-nKGa-kGF6FGvGOSspgTHz3KbM/s320/IMG_8531.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As a family, we have enjoyed seeing this part of North America. Sarah and the kids often make fun of me for pointing out all of the beautiful mountains that surround the city. They are still snow covered and provide an awesome backdrop from just about any point in the city. We do not have a vehicle here and have to rely on city buses and sky trains (think subway in the air). This has been quite the adjustment, learning the right schedules, waiting at bus stops, and apologizing when the kids pull the "stop" cord for no good reason.<br />
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Asa and Rainey have signed up for flag football and are enjoying meeting some new friends and getting out to enjoy the sport. Nehemiah and Benny have proved to be enthusiastic fans, so enthusiastic they like to run onto the field to show their support. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbqLK00qCWT7bQurqvIz2zGl2GmElPrim_TTzu8cGlOeDSaKPO8D_bFnmmPzcpdpdLfmSG5mNTcoez_G5BMrzZgB6fIzVZ1rt04tQsw6kTYnuYIr7I8nSSohIIkWjlqdtzRfrJPJGhu4/s1600/IMG_7851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbqLK00qCWT7bQurqvIz2zGl2GmElPrim_TTzu8cGlOeDSaKPO8D_bFnmmPzcpdpdLfmSG5mNTcoez_G5BMrzZgB6fIzVZ1rt04tQsw6kTYnuYIr7I8nSSohIIkWjlqdtzRfrJPJGhu4/s320/IMG_7851.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sarah and I have had a couple good dates and plan on going out tonight, because of Rainey's graciousness and willingness to serve as a babysitter. (if Asa asks - I said he was co-babysitter).<br />
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Sarah's birthday is coming up on May 26th and we look forward to celebrating that. We have had some great skype sessions with our teammates in Africa and are so excited about getting there! I'll consolidate some more pictures soon and add an entry with many of them from each child.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LOQvTI0ZuBCTZySzGhiaOZOvuXIC29ayFicLaTpt39bm4fqWvlQhy1wmyo2Q5voHWhdtn_LX-cNUIhyphenhyphen8Dr1YQg-WBtuakt_7Mc7Gl8I5GtCO2ae0kqdpDD9bM84Oa0o1842u8g6Suuk/s1600/IMG_8538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LOQvTI0ZuBCTZySzGhiaOZOvuXIC29ayFicLaTpt39bm4fqWvlQhy1wmyo2Q5voHWhdtn_LX-cNUIhyphenhyphen8Dr1YQg-WBtuakt_7Mc7Gl8I5GtCO2ae0kqdpDD9bM84Oa0o1842u8g6Suuk/s320/IMG_8538.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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As a primer, here is one of Nehemiah. I turned around in Wal-Mart and he was gone. I found him a few minutes later riding up and down the aisles with the helmet on his head.<br />
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Never a dull moment!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243986193130967655noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556125164611378405.post-24793491184912879102013-04-03T07:49:00.001-07:002013-04-03T07:49:22.797-07:00First Post from Vancouver<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
God is so good. We made it safely and on time to Vancouver yesterday. We got up early and flew all day (3 flights) and arrived in Vancouver around 4:00pm, getting to our new apartment around 6:30pm (West Coast Time). We unpacked a little, bathed the kids and sacked out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating lunch in the crowded terminal</td></tr>
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Today was neat. We walked to McDonald's for breakfast with the boys, then to the nearest grocery store. We loaded up on the staples and walked back to our apartment where we finished unpacking and then had much needed naps. After lunch we (all 6 of us) caught the city bus and rode it 5-10 minutes to a nearby shopping center where we worked on new phone plans and found a bank to exchange some money. On our journey home we stopped at a very nice park and let everyone get a little energy out. Next it was supper time and Sarah cooked a great meal for us, parmesan chicken. The meal was perfect, thought we could tell she hadn't cooked in several months (Richmond had a cafeteria) because she set a dish towel on a hot eye and we quickly had big flames in our kitchen. A little drama is always good.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Sa and two of her boys mid flight</td></tr>
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We are so thankful for your prayers allowing us to travel smoothly and for the kids to do well. Their airport training in Virginia really paid off because the two oldest were terrific in the airports. Like sibling professionals they carried luggage, kept close, and watched the little ones when needed. Their only compensation request was a $4.60 bottle of Fiji water in Toronto which Sarah was convinced they had earned. I tried to explain their was endless water in the restroom sink but they would have none of it. They were like a union.<br />
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Last thing today - Vancouver is unbelievably beautiful. Huge snow capped mountains surround the city (which is on the water) and the air is crisp, the streets clean, the transit on time, and the people friendly. On our first train ride I met a fellow from MN who married a girl from Charleston SC. They moved up here for work 8 years ago and can't bring themselves to leave it. I understand.<br />
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Look forward to more updates and we thank all who have encouraged us so in our journey. Africa is waiting ,<br />
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Stephen and Family</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243986193130967655noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556125164611378405.post-40475485463196802792013-03-16T20:40:00.000-07:002013-06-30T22:23:04.511-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Do you remember what it looked like in Star Wars when they went to light speed? The stars would blur by in long white streaks. That is not too different from how I feel now. Everything is moving at warp speed and passing by very, very, fast. <br />
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Our first phase of specific training for our work in East Africa is just a couple of days from being completed. It is hard to describe what it has been like. We have learned so much truth from wonderful teachers, we have been stretched in our personal walks, and we have watched our kids transition again. Yet the most amazing thing for me is meeting the 130 or so adults that share our heart for the nations. It is encouraging in a mighty way to meet so many other men that are leading their wives and children to the corners of the earth with one purpose in mind.<br />
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We head home to SC for 9 full days of family, friends, packing, and tears. Then we fly out of the country on April 1st for Vancouver, B.C. for three more intense months of training before we fly straight to East Africa. Vancouver will be where the rubber meets the road - we will be forced to put into practice what we are learning in the morning each afternoon.<br />
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We are holding up well, the first of many packing exercises has commenced and we will tell these dear friends by soon and pray that they are used to expand the Kingdom and please the Father.<br />
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Would you pray and thank him that he has indeed raised up workers for the harvest and commit our dear friends to his work. At the same time know that many, many more are needed and pray to the master of the harvest that he would call more and call them quickly!<br />
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Following,<br />
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The Dinkins Family.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243986193130967655noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556125164611378405.post-54364220853276749712013-02-02T18:01:00.001-08:002013-02-02T18:10:50.058-08:00Up and Running from Virginia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The whole family just outside our quad heading to school in the a.m.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have been in VA for 12 days and it has gone by in a flash. The kids are loving their time in school, and Sarah and I have both enjoyed our training immensely. There is so much to learn it is hard to compartmentalize all of the subjects so that we can apply them when we are overseas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> After two days of school, Rainey said, "I love it! But it isn't like regular school, it is a little more like a support group." That description has made Sa and I laugh several times. Asa has connected with his teacher too and looks forward to each day. My favorite quote from Asa was "you would think a boy teacher would be meaner than a girl teacher, but that's not true. Mr. Ben is really nice!" I am still trying to figure out what male influence in his life would lead him to think men are meaner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The weather has been frigid. Only a couple of days has the temperatures risen above 50. Most days it has not gone above freezing. Today we had some fun participating in a required one mile run. We will have to do this again towards the end of our training and are expected to show significant improvement (ideally due to our diligence in training and exercise). </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living overseas taxes all of you, including your physical body and our organization puts a big emphasis on taking care of it. Pretty neat idea, wonder where they got that idea? (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each morning we take the kids to their classrooms, and then head to our meeting place to be taught on any number of different things that apply to life overseas. The spiritual component has been extremely uplifting. The truth that is taught is like a two edged sword (Hebrews 4:12) and is challenging to both Sarah and me as we seek to be pleasing in all that we do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We generally get out around 3-3:30 and head to pick up the kids and have the afternoon to get kids down for naps, work on assignments and attend a few other meetings, one spouse at a time. Saturdays are generally free and we enjoyed a slow one today. After the mile run we had some time to decompress and this evening we headed into town for Asa to stop by Dick's with some birthday money (football gloves) and to hit McAlister's for a change of food scenery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Thanks for your love, support, and prayers. The Lord is blessing our family in a time of transition and we are thankful for his provision. We are green but we are learning a lot and are anxious to get over in East Africa make an eternal difference. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Following,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stephen & Sarah</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rainey, Asa, Nehemiah, and Benny</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Benny and Nehemiah getting their brisk ride to school.</span></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18243986193130967655noreply@blogger.com1