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.

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!

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.

(651) 283-0484

That's my new number while I'm Stateside. It's a Virgin Mobile number. I tried to get a 612 area code, but it didn't work out that way. Oh well.

Please give me a call!

Email remains the same. Looking forward to seeing or talking to you soon.

Over the Pond

Most of my readers know that I am planning a trip to the US soon, very soon. I thought I would post a few details in case folks have missed the info.

I leave Kenya this coming Sunday evening at around 10:00 PM local time. I arrive in Minneapolis at about 1:00 PM on Monday, September 29th Minneapolis time. I will be staying with Matt and Johanna Jones. My temporary mailing address is 2605 18th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55406. I will be available by email or Skype immediately upon arrival. Phone service may take some time.

Many have asked how long I will be in the US. I don’t know exactly. I can say for sure that it will be a minimum of 2 months. However, one of my main reasons for returning is to do some support raising for the coming year, as we have experienced a substantial living cost increases here in Kenya. I plan to be around until I am fully supported for the coming year.

If you would like to support me or have me share at your Bible Study, Sunday School Class or other venue, please let me know. I would be very happy to share our vision for Kenya.

I hope to see many of you in the coming weeks. If you are inclined to pray, please pray for all the last minute details to be tied up and safety as I prepare to leave; while I am in the US, for the immigration status to get sorted out and for good visits with all there.

See many of you soon!

Because today is my birthday

Yesterday evening at 5:15 I got a call from the man who cares for the grounds and house at the compound where I live about 10 minutes away.

“Hello Jan? This is Wycliffe. Are you on the way, coming?”
“No, but I’m about to leave.”
“Please hurry. I have misplaced my keys and I can hear some water running inside the house. Please hurry back now.”

I packed up my computer and headed for home. When I arrived the front door was unlocked. I didn’t hear any water running. My first thought was relief. I had been praying for mercy on the way home. I thought, he found the key, he’s taken care of everything. Then I noticed balloons floating about and taped to the wall.

“Hello…hello?” I stepped a few more paces in –

“SURPRISE!” There were Tracy, Julia and Lindsey, friends that live at Brackenhurst. They had decorated, brought pizza, pop, brownies and videos. (Jessica joined us later.)

But before I could celebrate I had to talk to Wycliffe. I made my way over to his house and called “Hodi” (The equivalent of “knock, knock”) When Wycliffe poked his head out of his door he looked sheepish, without even a hint of a smirk. He said to me as he looked down, “I have never teased anyone before in my life. I’m sorry.”

“No, no,” I told him, half smiling. “It’s okay. I had a good surprise.”

“I hope you didn’t knock anyone on the way rushing.”

“No, no,” I assured. The poor man is really worried. “I’m just glad there is no shida (problem) with the water. I’m fine. It’s all fine.”

“I’m sorry.” Wycliffe repeated earnestly. He felt guilty for being a part of the ploy to get me home. It says something about his honesty. I still smirk thinking about it.