Monday, May 10, 2010

Shambas and Snapshots


Many of my closest girlfriends have started their own "shambas" or gardens, so I thought I would share a few photos of ours here in Kenya. It's a little primitive, but we have the perfect weather for optimal growth.
Moses, our friend, and one of the groundskeepers here on the missionary compound has been showing us the ropes. Hudson loves helping work the "fields".
What an opportunity to share many Biblical truths with Hudson as we talk about the harvest of souls and our role here in Kenya to tend to God's garden.
The Lord has definitely planted many seeds here in Kapsowar that need some watering and tending to.
So Hudson has started his own little ministry. He takes his Spidey backpack full of art supplies, stickers, paints, etc. and goes up to the children's ward all by himself to make friends and spread some joy to those that are suffering. Some who are just suffering from "boredom" as they wait for their parent's to raise enough money for the hospital bill so that they can go home. He really loves his afternoons at the hospital.
Some other good news is that we received the diaper grant from "Cotton babies"! We received 17 of the best cloth diapers on the market- Bum genius. They are so cute and actually pretty "user friendly". They wash up nicely. Which is always a bonus since we do our laundry in the bathtub. Isaac has been working on his Swahili as well.
We also celebrated Kyle's 31st birthday! He was on call, but a Kenyan medical officer covered his shift for 4 hours so we could have a date. And some medical students from Hong Kong watched the boys. We went to the Kerio Valley View restaurant again in Iten. It was nice to get away and have a peaceful dinner. Here is Kyle with his other date.
So here are a few snapshots into our lives here in Kenya. We covet your prayers. Days can be long and hard for everyone, but we trust and hope in the Lord. He is doing a good work here and in our hearts as well.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Isaac looks fantastic! So much like his momma! And so proud of Hudson and his mission! The Jones' truck on in amazing ways!

NHP said...

Wonderful Post! I know everyone loves seeing pictures of your life in Africa. Thank you for posting when you can. It brings us so much joy to see you at work and God at work. So proud of you!

Big hugs,
Natasha

Dana said...

Wow! Jude really looks like Hudson when he was smaller! I had to do a double take to realize that it wasn't Hudson. We got the Cotton Babies grant also. Isn't it great? I have to admit that the prospect of cloth diapering is a little daunting coming from disposables, but it really changes my perspective when I realize that you do laundry in the bathtub! I love your updates, they are just so fun!

Em said...

Vanessa,
I'm so glad your garden is working out for you! I'm a little jealous as I'm not sure I'll have time for one this year, and we are still getting snow! I think its great you're taking on the challenge of cloth diapers. I've never been brave enough for those guys. Issac looks gorgeous and really healthy. I love the sun on his face. Happy birthday to Kyle! You guys are in our prayers.

Unknown said...

wow, laundry in the tub. you are a stud. yall are incredible. so glad to hear what the Lord is doing. The kids seem to be fitting right in. Love ya. We are at Kaleo. It will be the last one for a while. I would love to talk soon. shan