Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Comparing – Road Trips

I am down in Madison for a short visit to the Care of Creation Headquarters here. It’s about a 4 and a half hour drive to “Mad City”. I left early in the morning to make the best use of the days. On the way I noted several differences between this kind of trip and a similar journey in Kenya. Here are my observations:

US: smooth roads, light traffic.
KE: potholes, vehicles at all kinds of speeds from trucks at 20 miles an hour to Mercedes at 90 miles an hour

US: no fear of passing on a hill on a divided highway.
KE: expecting whatever might come up!

US: slow rising sun in my eyes for what seemed like ages
KE: quick sun up or sundown

US: gas at $2.29 a gallon
KE: gas at $5.90 a gallon

US: concrete wayside rests
KE: colorful scenic overlooks with plenty of dusty trinkets to purchase

US: not one human being to be seen from the freeway
KE: people everywhere along the road, and sometimes darting across

US: trees (indigenous forests) and jet streams
KE: bare land and the occasional buzzard

US: road repair signs for miles ahead, orange cones and lighted arrows
KE: rocks in the road without warning, possibly some green leafy branches in the road as a warning of something ahead

Sunday, October 26, 2008

At the End of 'Missions Focus' for this Year

If you have been visiting my blog now seeing anything new. Please forgive me. It's not that I haven't had anything to say, it's just been a bit busy with all many things happening the past couple of weeks.

Today was the final day of my church's annual "Missions Focus" event. I attend a church that does a great job training, sending and supporting missionaries all year 'round. But every year we spend a week and a half highlighting some of the many things folks are involved in.

One item mentioned in passing during the sermon was a reference to this morning's blog entry at Desiring God. It's very short and has been a blessing to me as I spend time in the US doing some additional support raising for the coming year. Please take a look.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Comparing - Cost of Living

Lately I have been spending a lot of thought time comparing life in Kenya to life in Minnesota. When I arrived I told my brother on the way Hiawatha, "If this were Nairobi, there would be throngs of people walking on both sides of the highway and up and down the median. Plus they would be darting across the road." I think I could actually do several entries on traffic comparisons. Maybe I will.

Here is a few Kenyan prices of daily items:

milk - $4.20 per gallon
boneless chicken breasts - $6.50 per pound
gas - $6.00 per gallon

ground beef - $1.33 per pound

Maybe I will be sticking to beef and beans when I get back.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Featured in Time

Our biggest news yet!

My boss and friend, the founder of Care of Creation is featured in the international and online versions of Time Magazine as a Hero of the Environment! Although not a perfect representation, I think it very fair considering all things considered.

We are very happy for the exposure.

Down To It

I arrived in the US just over a week ago. I am over jet lag (I think). I have had a good cheeseburger. I’ve attended the social event of the year. Now I am looking for folks that would like to hear more about Care of Creation and what we are doing in Kenya to help those already marginalized by difficult circumstances to see and utilize what God has given them in the way of land resources.

Please pray with me that I can raise up the needed support.

Additionally, those back in Kenya are working on an arrangement for my missionary visa when I return. Please call me if you would like to hear more!

Monday, October 6, 2008

Karla Said Yes!


My long-time friend Karla got married for the first time this weekend at age 51. (I don't think she would mind you knowing her age because we are all amazed at this turn of events - her included.) Roy knew as soon as he met her that he wanted to marry her, and that God had been quite specific about taking care of her for the rest of her life. But it took Karla an entire year to warm up to the idea and hear God on the subject. I left the country while she was still keeping him at arm's length. You can imagine that I was pretty shocked when I got her email telling me that she was engaged. Since I had no warning that things had shifted.

It was a beautiful wedding. Karla was stunning. Now she's married! I still can't believe it. But I am so happy for her and always amazed that anything can happen at any time.