2.30pm local time
Doha, Qatar
Well, it was an interesting week last week. A week of continued waiting -- for the baby to come, for Rod to come, and for us all to see what happens in Kenya with the planned opposition rallies. Three days of rallies increased the death toll in the country. And, the opposition is not backing down, saying that they will continue with “civil disobedience, strikes, and boycotts” until the current administration acknowledges that there was election fraud and agree to do something about it. We pray for continued safety for all there that we know and love, and for the eyes of those who do not know the Lord to come to know Him through this. We are thankful for the reports of national friends who have, even narrowly, escaped harm and are well, physically at least.
Cristiana and I continue to try to keep some semblance of normalcy in a life that feels very abnormal right now. She asks to “go home where Daddy is” most every day. She talks about our dog, Osa, every day. She does not want to be away from me for very long at all. If I am going upstairs she wants to go with me, if I am going down stairs she wants to go with me. The only time that is different, is when she is engrossed with playing with one of the kids.
Rod has been flying more this past week and will continue the next two until he comes here, which is good for two reasons. One, it keeps him busy and his mind off of missing us too much; and two, it keeps him away from Nairobi during some of these perilous times. The news has been sometimes hard to come by, but I hear daily from friends back there as they keep me informed. I have needed that to stay connected. I can imagine that Kenya’s crisis is not on the front cover of the major newspapers in the States anymore.
I have been having recurring nightmares of being stuck in roadblocks, being gunned down in the middle of it all, and in my mind saying goodbye to Rod and Cristiana, knowing that the baby and I were going to die at any moment; of losing children; of being evacuated again; and of various other issues. I am able to pull myself out of dreams, and often do before the really horrible stuff happens. Sometimes I wake up crying, sometimes I wake up wanting to cry but can’t, sometimes I just wake up, lay there, and pray. Every time I lay and pray, asking the Lord to calm me. Often, even in the middle of being half asleep still, I just simply either say or mouth the words, “In Jesus’ Name”, over and over and over and over again. I either fall back to sleep, or, like the other night, I lay awake for an hour thinking about things. I know that it is all because of what is going on, but it does not make it easier. I often wish that I could just turn my mind off, like a light switch. But, alas, the Lord did not make me that way. He made my mind to be very active and imaginative, and very susceptible to suggestions as one friend put it.
We are in the middle of the desert. You would think that we were in the middle of a winter in Pennsylvania, minus the snow. If it were to get any colder, the rain might actually turn into snow. The other day Angie and I and all the kids were going to a mall for the kids to play, and we were simply trying to figure out how to get the heater to work -- in the desert! We laughed about that one. The houses have air conditioning, but no heat. So, we have little space heaters all through the house, and sleep under piles of covers. Finally the last two days the sun is out and it is a little warmer.
I went to the doctor Thursday night. Dr Samira scheduled the c-section for Sunday the third of February. The calculated due date, as per my last period, is 14 February 2008, but the first ultrasound date was the 10th. That is what date I had been using the whole time (as it was also from the book that I calculated things from). Dr Samira gave me some dates that she was comfortable with, and we chose the 3rd. It is a Sunday, but since the weekend here is Friday and Saturday, that is a good day to do it. It will be the beginning of the week, and should have good medical care throughout. If it is anything like in Nairobi, the care over weekends is not quite as good. Rod will be able to make it here on Thursday, the 31st. And, we have asked my Mom to come over and help out with Cristiana and the baby. She will get here on the night of the 29th.
I am very anxious to meet our little daughter, who, by the way, is still a girl! :-) The ultrasound showed that. I was a little worried when we were packing things up that we would have a boy and he would be dressed in pink for the first month! The ultrasound also showed that she is already 3.1 kilos (that is 6 pounds 14 ounces). Cristiana was 3.05 kilos when she was born. We have just two more weeks to go, so we’ll see how big she gets. The doctor said she could gain up to another 400 grams (not sure what that is in ounces), but would make her up to 3.5 kilos at birth.
We are working on some alternative housing for us while Rod and my Mom are here. We are soon going to be busting at the seams in this house where Cristiana and I have been staying. It is a great place, with high ceilings, four bedrooms, an office (suite that could be a bedroom, but is the school room), and four and a half baths. We are actually in a little suite, a bedroom with a bathroom. That is nice for privacy. There is really plenty of room . . . right now. But, in a week, Angie’s parents get here, a few days later my Mom gets here, and then a few days after that Rod gets here. There really is not enough room here for us all, not even with Mom offering to stay in a hotel.
Please pray that the Lord shows us where He wants us to be. It is very expensive here (read that as more than anyone would ever expect to pay for a two bedroom temporary apartment!), but we know that He will provide. He has provided from the very beginning, and He is not about to stop now. I am so convinced of that. A few people from D&A’s church have already called, just to say hi and say they are praying for us. It is very encouraging what the Lord is doing. And, I have needed that encouragement, just at the times that He gives it.
A friend asked the other day if I am keeping these entries as a reminder of what all He has done, and YES, I am. I am a journaling person, and they are going right into the mix. I know that this season of our life is going to be one of my “twelve stones”. We are still in the middle of it all, and know that when we look back on it we will see His incredible leading, but can also thankfully even see it now.
On a side note, please pray for my older brother, Karl Jr, as he was admitted to the hospital last week with chest pain. He was released the next day after they determined he did not have a heart attack, and he is now on cholesterol medications. And, my Dad had pink eye and was miserable. Seems like a bad time physically for them all.
This has gotten very long so I will sign off for now. Thank you for reading this whole thing!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
sunday, 11 january
9.30am local time
Doha, Qatar
It is cold here in the desert! We are wearing layers, which include sweatshirts. It is an interesting concept. There are so many things about here that remind me of our time in Kh-artoum a few years ago. The sand that blows all over, the dry desert air, and the cold that catches you off guard. The other morning we woke to a sand storm -- and it lasted a good part of the day. We could smell it, burning my throat, and breathed it in even in the closed up house. Layers of sand coated the floor, even minutes after wiping it up.
Tuesday night Angie and I went to the hospital where we will both have our babies. I got to meet the doc who will do my delivery, but did not get to sit with her as a patient. She was on the way out to an emergency c-section.
I think that the doc that I did meet with was a little intimidated by all of my answers. She kept asking, I kept answering. I am not the typical lady from the area, where the husband answers all of the questions for her, and had a child with me to boot! I think that might have irritated the doc, and knowing that I would do a scheduled c-section I would not be her patient, so with her it was all facts, no personality. I am looking forward to actually meeting with, as opposed to just meeting, the doc who will do the surgery. She really seemed nice.
Cristiana went along with us, and she got to see the ultrasound. It was a little weird and I think scary for her too. I think she thought that she was going to get to meet the baby out of my belly! As we watched the ultrasound screen, she asked if the baby was dead, I told her no, that the sound she had just heard was the baby’s heart beat -- just like hers. I showed her the wand, too, that the doc was using to get the pictures, and the way it was going across my belly to see different parts. Then she was okay. It would be interesting to know what REALLY went through her mind.
Then, yesterday she asked if she would be able to go with Daddy and I when the baby is born. I told her that even Daddy would not be able to be with Mama. He will be there at the hospital, but not in the operating room. (He does not want to see that again anyway, so no biggie that he will not be allowed in!) Cristiana will hopefully get to see the baby soon after she is born.
“Sally” is well. She continues to stretch up into my lungs, which of course makes it hard to breath. Nighttime is the worst, as we have to share this body for the next few more weeks. I have had much less pelvic bone pain, tightness, and contractions since being here. I really wonder how much of it has to do with the lower altitude, or just that I am not as “busy” here as I always am at home. I have had a new pain of cramps, but they come and go. So far I have only had to be in bed for most part of one day, and that was within the first day or two. I am very grateful for that, as I need to be with C all of the day.
Rod has done some interesting flights the last week. They finished doing evacuations on Saturday, and then yesterday he flew a group of 35 pastors out to El Doret for some restoration meetings and general encouraging of the people. Dan Germo was part of that group, he is the brother-in-law to one of the SP mechanics at the hangar in North Wilkesboro, NC. Then, today he is taking 9,000 kilos of food stuffs to Homa Bay, doing three rotations of 3,000 kilos each trip. It will be hard work and he will get home exhausted that is for sure.
We are planning for Rod to come here a few days before the scheduled c-section in order for us to have a few days together as a family, before we add the baby into the mix. Cristiana will need that. She is doing well, but showing signs of insecurity, which is to be expected. She is very clingy and wants to hold my hand everywhere that we go -- even it if it just up or down the stairs. That is one of the typical things that she does. Every day she tells me something of what she misses from home: from our dog, to the gate guards, to Java House -- her favorite restaurant. And, of course, is always praying for Daddy and his safety. She knows that he will come here soon.
As far as the situation in Kenya is concerned, I am sure that the news has moved off the front page. It is no longer a crisis in the eyes of the world. However, it is still a crisis for many people, including us. If you look on cnn.com (the international part of the site) you will still find some news, both in print and video. That is where I have been watching the most. I think that the live news black-out is still in effect. I read that there were some international people asking for that to be lifted. There are still loads of people who are angry and wanting violence, and pockets of that going on; but that there is some dialogue and attempts at working through some mediation.
I have been able to keep in touch with many of our friends there, as my cell phone has roaming coverage here. That has been a huge blessing! It is my lifeline back to home, a great way to stay connected with those that we love. Many are saying that things have calmed down, but there is a sense of caution in the air. And people are wondering how long things will stay calm, or if things will blow up again. Looking at the news, one can tell that it is still a bit of a time bomb, hopefully one that will not go off. Friends are wondering what the future of Kenya holds. I wonder how many people will stay to find out. I trust that within our organization no one will make a move until guided from Above! (If you know what I mean?!!)
Things do seem to be getting back to normal, but really not sure how long it will take for it all to get there. We do know One who knows, though! It could be a long road to recovery, healing, and restoration.
Thank you for your continued prayers on our behalf, for the safety of Rod as he continues to fly, and for the country of Kenya.
Doha, Qatar
It is cold here in the desert! We are wearing layers, which include sweatshirts. It is an interesting concept. There are so many things about here that remind me of our time in Kh-artoum a few years ago. The sand that blows all over, the dry desert air, and the cold that catches you off guard. The other morning we woke to a sand storm -- and it lasted a good part of the day. We could smell it, burning my throat, and breathed it in even in the closed up house. Layers of sand coated the floor, even minutes after wiping it up.
Tuesday night Angie and I went to the hospital where we will both have our babies. I got to meet the doc who will do my delivery, but did not get to sit with her as a patient. She was on the way out to an emergency c-section.
I think that the doc that I did meet with was a little intimidated by all of my answers. She kept asking, I kept answering. I am not the typical lady from the area, where the husband answers all of the questions for her, and had a child with me to boot! I think that might have irritated the doc, and knowing that I would do a scheduled c-section I would not be her patient, so with her it was all facts, no personality. I am looking forward to actually meeting with, as opposed to just meeting, the doc who will do the surgery. She really seemed nice.
Cristiana went along with us, and she got to see the ultrasound. It was a little weird and I think scary for her too. I think she thought that she was going to get to meet the baby out of my belly! As we watched the ultrasound screen, she asked if the baby was dead, I told her no, that the sound she had just heard was the baby’s heart beat -- just like hers. I showed her the wand, too, that the doc was using to get the pictures, and the way it was going across my belly to see different parts. Then she was okay. It would be interesting to know what REALLY went through her mind.
Then, yesterday she asked if she would be able to go with Daddy and I when the baby is born. I told her that even Daddy would not be able to be with Mama. He will be there at the hospital, but not in the operating room. (He does not want to see that again anyway, so no biggie that he will not be allowed in!) Cristiana will hopefully get to see the baby soon after she is born.
“Sally” is well. She continues to stretch up into my lungs, which of course makes it hard to breath. Nighttime is the worst, as we have to share this body for the next few more weeks. I have had much less pelvic bone pain, tightness, and contractions since being here. I really wonder how much of it has to do with the lower altitude, or just that I am not as “busy” here as I always am at home. I have had a new pain of cramps, but they come and go. So far I have only had to be in bed for most part of one day, and that was within the first day or two. I am very grateful for that, as I need to be with C all of the day.
Rod has done some interesting flights the last week. They finished doing evacuations on Saturday, and then yesterday he flew a group of 35 pastors out to El Doret for some restoration meetings and general encouraging of the people. Dan Germo was part of that group, he is the brother-in-law to one of the SP mechanics at the hangar in North Wilkesboro, NC. Then, today he is taking 9,000 kilos of food stuffs to Homa Bay, doing three rotations of 3,000 kilos each trip. It will be hard work and he will get home exhausted that is for sure.
We are planning for Rod to come here a few days before the scheduled c-section in order for us to have a few days together as a family, before we add the baby into the mix. Cristiana will need that. She is doing well, but showing signs of insecurity, which is to be expected. She is very clingy and wants to hold my hand everywhere that we go -- even it if it just up or down the stairs. That is one of the typical things that she does. Every day she tells me something of what she misses from home: from our dog, to the gate guards, to Java House -- her favorite restaurant. And, of course, is always praying for Daddy and his safety. She knows that he will come here soon.
As far as the situation in Kenya is concerned, I am sure that the news has moved off the front page. It is no longer a crisis in the eyes of the world. However, it is still a crisis for many people, including us. If you look on cnn.com (the international part of the site) you will still find some news, both in print and video. That is where I have been watching the most. I think that the live news black-out is still in effect. I read that there were some international people asking for that to be lifted. There are still loads of people who are angry and wanting violence, and pockets of that going on; but that there is some dialogue and attempts at working through some mediation.
I have been able to keep in touch with many of our friends there, as my cell phone has roaming coverage here. That has been a huge blessing! It is my lifeline back to home, a great way to stay connected with those that we love. Many are saying that things have calmed down, but there is a sense of caution in the air. And people are wondering how long things will stay calm, or if things will blow up again. Looking at the news, one can tell that it is still a bit of a time bomb, hopefully one that will not go off. Friends are wondering what the future of Kenya holds. I wonder how many people will stay to find out. I trust that within our organization no one will make a move until guided from Above! (If you know what I mean?!!)
Things do seem to be getting back to normal, but really not sure how long it will take for it all to get there. We do know One who knows, though! It could be a long road to recovery, healing, and restoration.
Thank you for your continued prayers on our behalf, for the safety of Rod as he continues to fly, and for the country of Kenya.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
saturday, 6 january
11.30pm local time
Doha, Qatar
Rod says that things in NBI are slowing down and becoming more calm. As of yesterday evening, after their last evac flight, AA had flown about 500 evacuees from Western Kenya into NBI. I am not sure where the people went from there -- some to the international airport to transition out of the country, some into other areas of the country. Rod does not think that things will get worse. There are enough people -- from the outside – that are appealing for peace and for Kibaki and Odinga to work things out. Desmond Tutu was there the last few days and is working on helping them to resolve the disputes.
Keith and Jen and the kids even went to the NBI Game Park yesterday and all was well on the streets to and fro. Rod is out with them today at the markets where you can buy souveniers.
We are settling in nicely here with Angie and Daryl. We have our own “suite”, which consists of a bedroom and an attached bathroom. So, that gives us some privacy, but also keeps us out of their areas for the kids and stuff. It is working well. Mendy is returning to NBI tomorrow (Mon), as she has been given the okay to do so and she is needed there.
I go to the doc here on Tuesday evening and will find out how things are. I had some cramping last night, which is not real good, but am okay today. I am just taking things easy. Rod is ready to come as soon as he is needed here, or a day or two before the scheduled c-section. He will stay then for about two weeks. He will return to NBI then until we are close to being ready to go back. We will schedule the c-section and all of that on Tues, I hope.
Cristiana is enjoying the kids here. That has been a wonderful gift for her. We went to the park yesterday and they played hard. She had a nap, and then did not go to sleep last night until about 10.30pm, so no nap today for her. Angie is out with the kids and Mendy now, trying to get the ticket changes. C and I are reading and having some “Mama/Nana time”.
Last night we went to the store to get some groceries, and when we first got there, Cristiana said, “Mama I wanna go home.” I said we would in a bit after we got groceries. Then, she said, “No, I wanna go home to where Daddy is.” I cried! We both are ready to go home, but know that we need to be here for now. I am hoping that we can get the birth certificate quickly (that is something we need to find out about) and then the passport takes two weeks. We need to get C’s passport renewed, as well, so we’ll do that all at the same time.
Doha, Qatar
Rod says that things in NBI are slowing down and becoming more calm. As of yesterday evening, after their last evac flight, AA had flown about 500 evacuees from Western Kenya into NBI. I am not sure where the people went from there -- some to the international airport to transition out of the country, some into other areas of the country. Rod does not think that things will get worse. There are enough people -- from the outside – that are appealing for peace and for Kibaki and Odinga to work things out. Desmond Tutu was there the last few days and is working on helping them to resolve the disputes.
Keith and Jen and the kids even went to the NBI Game Park yesterday and all was well on the streets to and fro. Rod is out with them today at the markets where you can buy souveniers.
We are settling in nicely here with Angie and Daryl. We have our own “suite”, which consists of a bedroom and an attached bathroom. So, that gives us some privacy, but also keeps us out of their areas for the kids and stuff. It is working well. Mendy is returning to NBI tomorrow (Mon), as she has been given the okay to do so and she is needed there.
I go to the doc here on Tuesday evening and will find out how things are. I had some cramping last night, which is not real good, but am okay today. I am just taking things easy. Rod is ready to come as soon as he is needed here, or a day or two before the scheduled c-section. He will stay then for about two weeks. He will return to NBI then until we are close to being ready to go back. We will schedule the c-section and all of that on Tues, I hope.
Cristiana is enjoying the kids here. That has been a wonderful gift for her. We went to the park yesterday and they played hard. She had a nap, and then did not go to sleep last night until about 10.30pm, so no nap today for her. Angie is out with the kids and Mendy now, trying to get the ticket changes. C and I are reading and having some “Mama/Nana time”.
Last night we went to the store to get some groceries, and when we first got there, Cristiana said, “Mama I wanna go home.” I said we would in a bit after we got groceries. Then, she said, “No, I wanna go home to where Daddy is.” I cried! We both are ready to go home, but know that we need to be here for now. I am hoping that we can get the birth certificate quickly (that is something we need to find out about) and then the passport takes two weeks. We need to get C’s passport renewed, as well, so we’ll do that all at the same time.
Friday, January 04, 2008
friday, 4 january
8.45am local time
Doha, Qatar
Rod is already out flying today. Please pray for continued energy and stamina for him.
Seven years ago today, we got engaged on the balcony of his parents’ house in Rhodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia. I would say yes all over again! I am so proud of what he is doing right now, the way that he is LITERALLY saving lives, and the impact that he may have to those people and their families and friends. I pray that those who do not know Jesus would come to know him from all that is happening. And, Rod is a part of that!!!!
The Lord will sustain us in the middle of all this, and will bring us together again when it is His time. It does not matter to me when he gets here, just that he stays safe in what he is doing now. And, with him knowing that he knows we are all now safe, he can do just that -- the job that the Lord has asked him to do. Praise the Lord for that!
There are reports that another rally is planned for today, and Rod confirms those rumors. The families who were at the hangar yesterday are still there, and will remain until things calm down.
Please pray for Stephen, an employee at the hangar (TAM shop, for those who know). He is reported to have been beat up and has run to the forest. Please pray for his safety and for him to heal and recover. Before he was employed at the hangar, he had done some work for us. He is an incredible guy, with lots of potential and a huge heart. Please pray for him.
I plan to go to the doc on Tuesday evening to start the process of things here. Please pray for wisdom in decisions here with the doc, hospital, etc. We are so thankful for Daryl and Angie's hospitality. Yesterday, over and over again, all I wanted to do was cry -- for many different reasons, but one that continued to happen all day as I watched my daughter, was that Cristiana had kids to play with. That she was getting her needs met by that. Thank you Jesus for your provisions! She is having a great time with the kids, and is really connecting with Cyah, the first born boy who is about nine months older than her.
That is all for this morning. Will try to write more later, I need to sit with my daughter and read! :-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.30pm local time
Doha, Qatar
Okay, now that we are sitting here a bit and our lives are settled down, we are starting to think about the life that we need to live here. We are in a M**lim country. So, we need to be careful about what we write or say online and on the phone. Please help us protect our friends who have taken us in by being careful about certain words you use when you write. Use your judgement, and ask for discernment from God on that.
I will be using different words like IS or organization instead of the other word for what we do over in Kenya.
God does know where our hearts have been the last few days, and will protect us and them as we were not thinking about those thing when first here. But, now that life and a little bit of normalcy is back, we are now thinking that way.
Doha, Qatar
Rod is already out flying today. Please pray for continued energy and stamina for him.
Seven years ago today, we got engaged on the balcony of his parents’ house in Rhodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia. I would say yes all over again! I am so proud of what he is doing right now, the way that he is LITERALLY saving lives, and the impact that he may have to those people and their families and friends. I pray that those who do not know Jesus would come to know him from all that is happening. And, Rod is a part of that!!!!
The Lord will sustain us in the middle of all this, and will bring us together again when it is His time. It does not matter to me when he gets here, just that he stays safe in what he is doing now. And, with him knowing that he knows we are all now safe, he can do just that -- the job that the Lord has asked him to do. Praise the Lord for that!
There are reports that another rally is planned for today, and Rod confirms those rumors. The families who were at the hangar yesterday are still there, and will remain until things calm down.
Please pray for Stephen, an employee at the hangar (TAM shop, for those who know). He is reported to have been beat up and has run to the forest. Please pray for his safety and for him to heal and recover. Before he was employed at the hangar, he had done some work for us. He is an incredible guy, with lots of potential and a huge heart. Please pray for him.
I plan to go to the doc on Tuesday evening to start the process of things here. Please pray for wisdom in decisions here with the doc, hospital, etc. We are so thankful for Daryl and Angie's hospitality. Yesterday, over and over again, all I wanted to do was cry -- for many different reasons, but one that continued to happen all day as I watched my daughter, was that Cristiana had kids to play with. That she was getting her needs met by that. Thank you Jesus for your provisions! She is having a great time with the kids, and is really connecting with Cyah, the first born boy who is about nine months older than her.
That is all for this morning. Will try to write more later, I need to sit with my daughter and read! :-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.30pm local time
Doha, Qatar
Okay, now that we are sitting here a bit and our lives are settled down, we are starting to think about the life that we need to live here. We are in a M**lim country. So, we need to be careful about what we write or say online and on the phone. Please help us protect our friends who have taken us in by being careful about certain words you use when you write. Use your judgement, and ask for discernment from God on that.
I will be using different words like IS or organization instead of the other word for what we do over in Kenya.
God does know where our hearts have been the last few days, and will protect us and them as we were not thinking about those thing when first here. But, now that life and a little bit of normalcy is back, we are now thinking that way.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
thursday, 3 january
6.30am local time
Doha, Qatar
My update last night was so quick and hasty that I forgot to please remind you all that my husband and family (Rod's sister and family) are still there in Nairobi. Please pray for their safety.
I think that it is really starting to hit me today. I woke up at 6.00 and could not go back to sleep. I need rest, but all that wants to come is tears. I need those too, though.
Please pray for our mission and all those there that we love. Some decisions have been made, that allow anyone to evacuate this morning who wants to by road. If Rod is out flying, then some other friends are online to help Keith and Jen leave. We do have a van for them to use, and they will just take that and go.
I feel so helpless! Please just pray. Now, I am going back to bed, and hopefully I can sleep more.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.30pm local time
Doha, Qatar
This will be quick as I am bushed. Things are starting to settle in on me today, lots of tears have been shed. Everyone is safe and okay in Nairobi. The rally was cancelled today, another one on the plate for next Tuesday.
Rod, Keith and Jen, and the kids spent the day at the Wilson Airport hangar. They went over in the morning to be ready to evac by air if needed. They will sleep there tonight with a few other families (Olsons and Gottfrieds). It actually worked out well, as Rod needed to fly more evacs today and was right there ready to go, without having to drive through any mobs. He said that the total for the last two days was just under 300 people.
Praise the Lord for the work the guys are doing.
And, a neat report for the Moyer side: Sierra was able to witness and see what it was like to help the missionaries. I guess the families all helped get the airplane done for the night and she said she felt like she helped. How sweet for a little eight year old. I am sure that Jen will have the whole story and I will want to hear it as well.
Please continue to pray, the rally that was cancelled today was rescheduled for next Tuesday. Thankfully that is a day AFTER the Kings are to leave, so they will stay with their schedule as planned. And, it looks like things will settle down a bit between now and then -- at least we hope and pray that it does. Then, be praying for Rod as he is there by himself doing what he needs to do before coming over here to join us for the baby. Hopefully he will be able to be here before she is born, if not he will come as soon after as he can.
Thank you again for all of your prayers. Cristiana is having a good time with the kids here -- that has been a HUGE blessing. That was the first question she asked the other day when I told her we were going to go on an airplane, “Mama, will there be kids there?” with a complete concerned look on her face! :-) So, she is doing well.
That is all for now, I need to sleep. More hopefully tomorrow if I can get some computer time and have a brain that functions to think about things.
Doha, Qatar
My update last night was so quick and hasty that I forgot to please remind you all that my husband and family (Rod's sister and family) are still there in Nairobi. Please pray for their safety.
I think that it is really starting to hit me today. I woke up at 6.00 and could not go back to sleep. I need rest, but all that wants to come is tears. I need those too, though.
Please pray for our mission and all those there that we love. Some decisions have been made, that allow anyone to evacuate this morning who wants to by road. If Rod is out flying, then some other friends are online to help Keith and Jen leave. We do have a van for them to use, and they will just take that and go.
I feel so helpless! Please just pray. Now, I am going back to bed, and hopefully I can sleep more.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.30pm local time
Doha, Qatar
This will be quick as I am bushed. Things are starting to settle in on me today, lots of tears have been shed. Everyone is safe and okay in Nairobi. The rally was cancelled today, another one on the plate for next Tuesday.
Rod, Keith and Jen, and the kids spent the day at the Wilson Airport hangar. They went over in the morning to be ready to evac by air if needed. They will sleep there tonight with a few other families (Olsons and Gottfrieds). It actually worked out well, as Rod needed to fly more evacs today and was right there ready to go, without having to drive through any mobs. He said that the total for the last two days was just under 300 people.
Praise the Lord for the work the guys are doing.
And, a neat report for the Moyer side: Sierra was able to witness and see what it was like to help the missionaries. I guess the families all helped get the airplane done for the night and she said she felt like she helped. How sweet for a little eight year old. I am sure that Jen will have the whole story and I will want to hear it as well.
Please continue to pray, the rally that was cancelled today was rescheduled for next Tuesday. Thankfully that is a day AFTER the Kings are to leave, so they will stay with their schedule as planned. And, it looks like things will settle down a bit between now and then -- at least we hope and pray that it does. Then, be praying for Rod as he is there by himself doing what he needs to do before coming over here to join us for the baby. Hopefully he will be able to be here before she is born, if not he will come as soon after as he can.
Thank you again for all of your prayers. Cristiana is having a good time with the kids here -- that has been a HUGE blessing. That was the first question she asked the other day when I told her we were going to go on an airplane, “Mama, will there be kids there?” with a complete concerned look on her face! :-) So, she is doing well.
That is all for now, I need to sleep. More hopefully tomorrow if I can get some computer time and have a brain that functions to think about things.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
wednesday, 2 january
6.30am local time
Nairobi, Kenya
Thank you for your responses and your prayers. Rod just left about an hour ago for the AIM AIR hangar. He will do two evacuation runs out to Western today. We should be able to talk with each other around 11.00am or so.
Please pray for his safety and protection today, and for all of the pilots as they are flying these evacuation routes. Most of them have done this before, including Rod, but this one just hits a little closer to home.
Sleep was a little elusive last night for me. Thankfully Rod slept the entire night, and he said he slept well. I kept dreaming about evacuating and things happening here, and then waking up to a sore side where I slept.
Please pray that the pains are non-existent today, or at least bareable. And, again, for the Lord’s Hand where He wants us to go and what He wants us to do today. That we do not get all caught up in the emotions -- which is very easy to do for these two ladies! -- but are able to remember that He is in control . . . period!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11.45pm local time
Doha, Qatar!
Just a very quick note to tell you all that we made it and are safe in Doha. I will write more in the morning, as you can see it is late. The Lord did some incredible miracles today, and opened every door that we asked
Nairobi, Kenya
Thank you for your responses and your prayers. Rod just left about an hour ago for the AIM AIR hangar. He will do two evacuation runs out to Western today. We should be able to talk with each other around 11.00am or so.
Please pray for his safety and protection today, and for all of the pilots as they are flying these evacuation routes. Most of them have done this before, including Rod, but this one just hits a little closer to home.
Sleep was a little elusive last night for me. Thankfully Rod slept the entire night, and he said he slept well. I kept dreaming about evacuating and things happening here, and then waking up to a sore side where I slept.
Please pray that the pains are non-existent today, or at least bareable. And, again, for the Lord’s Hand where He wants us to go and what He wants us to do today. That we do not get all caught up in the emotions -- which is very easy to do for these two ladies! -- but are able to remember that He is in control . . . period!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11.45pm local time
Doha, Qatar!
Just a very quick note to tell you all that we made it and are safe in Doha. I will write more in the morning, as you can see it is late. The Lord did some incredible miracles today, and opened every door that we asked
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
tuesday, 1 january
11.00am local time
Nairobi, Kenya
Happy New Year! Wow, what a way to start the New Year. Hmmmmm, what will this year have to show us?
Last night was your normal typical New Year’s Eve celebration kind of time. It was quiet in the evening, then around midnight fireworks started off. We were all sound asleep at that point, but heard this morning that it was more likely that than gunfire. When your ears are attuned to the difference, you can tell the difference. I wish that we did not know that difference, but we do. :-)
We enjoyed some time with our friends here on the compound, having some good food and good fellowship. Since we were all so tired from the day none of us stayed very long. Cristiana and I came home in time for her bed at 8.00pm. I was in bed by 9.00. I never even woke up when Rod came later. He said he was at the party until about 11.00. We all slept well last night, which was a praise, yet again! The Lord is sustaining us through this. It is still hard on my heart to know that friends are suffering as they are.
Thank you for all of the emails we have been getting from people. Thank you for the prayers for this country! We so badly need them. We know that the Lord is doing great things here in the midst of this incredible chaos. And, He is protecting us as well. Rod prayed yesterday, in the midst of the gunfire time, that the Lord would post His soldiers outside our compounds and mission houses all over this city. And, that the people who would visibly be able to see them and just keep going, not messing with us at all. (I liked that prayer!!)
Rod checked the news a bit last night and there are reports that over 800 refugees have fled to Uganda. An interesting turn of events. It is always people who come to this country as refugees, as opposed to people leaving here. It is weird.
The sounds out there today are normal. A friend went out to the airport this morning and said that the roads seemed normal, just light with traffic, and the people were calm. It is nice to think that things may be calming down. However, with the “Million-Man-March” that is scheduled for Thursday, who knows what may happen. The Lord does, and we are thankful that He is in complete control.
The hardest hit area is still out in Western Province. There are some “shoot to kill” mandates in Kisumu town, so people are staying home, or have already fleed. We are praying that things settle down there.
That is all for now. Please keep praying for this country and her people. Please also pray for continued wisdom and discernment for our mission in decisions that need to be made. We are still at the point of just sitting still and waiting. We pray that it all stays that way! And, please pray that little Sally just stays where she needs to in the midst of this. I do NOT want to have to deliver a baby (premie at this point) and then have to deal with the instability here. Thank you for praying!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.30pm local time
Nairobi, Kenya
Well, today has been an interesting day! All started out very calm and easy. We had good rest last night, which, again we are thankful for. I had some severe pelvic bone pain last night, where I was unable to put weight on my left leg. Rod had to help me get to ready for bed. (Oh, what a wonderful husband I have!) I took a muscle relaxant that is specific for this, as prescribed by my doc here, and slept well all night.
I fell asleep last night thinking about where I would go if I needed to, under the circumstances. I first thought South Africa or London. We have friends with the Baptist Mission and we could get a recommendation of a place to stay there in South Africa. We have friends in London who could ask their church for a place to stay and doc info. Then, this morning as I was looking at a big map that is on our wall, and telling Rod about my thoughts, a great thought came to mind. Doha, Qatar! Qatar is a small little country beside Saudi Arabia and UAE (United Arab Emirates).
Why Doha?! We have some friends (Daryl and Angie Daniel) who live there, working with Texas A&M University. They just moved there a few months ago, and Angie is 36 weeks pregnant this week. It would be an easy transition, she would have the doc and hospital already identified, and we could go somewhere that Rod would not even have to be with us the whole time.
Then, I checked email. Angie had already written and said the same thing, without us even asking to come!!!! How cool is that?!
Then, with the day being as simple and calm and all of those things here, I was about to write her back and say, thanks but we’ll stay here. I laid in bed most of the day, until this afternoon when we got word from the “higher ups” in the organization. We were told that things out in Western (Province) were completely falling apart and the missionaries/nationals (the targeted ethnic group – Kikuyu -- that is affiliated with a Christian organization) are requesting evacuation. MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) and AIM AIR are gearing up to go get them tomorrow. The number is growing of how many people may be coming out.
Then, we were also advised that Cristiana and I should leave, get to a safe place where if the baby comes I will be in good care. There are a few reasons for that -- first, Rod needs to do his job, and he cannot do that properly with knowing that I am here and possibly needing him. He needs to know that Cristiana and I and the baby are all safe. Second, I do not want to have a baby here right now. Things here in the city are still well, but Thursday things could change, or they could not. We just don’t want to take that chance at this point.
So, here is the point of this email: Cristiana and I have reservations to fly to Doha Qatar on the 4.00pm flight tomorrow (2nd Jan). A friend is going with us to help me with Cristiana.
Here is the prayer request(s): please pray that we can get a doctor’s note to allow me to fly (at 34 weeks), that the airlines will allow me to fly, and that all goes well for us to get there tomorrow. We will also be separated from Rod for an unknown period of time -- hopefully only a few weeks or less. Basically that the Lord would open the doors to get us out. We do have back up plans for everything, from trying every airline at the airport, taking us anywhere they will take us, to simply getting over to Entebbe, Uganda, somehow.
But, we know that the Lord will take us where He wants us to be . . . PERIOD! Please just pray with us that He shows us that and, again, opens the doors -- literally, of the airplane -- to get us there.
We are so thankful for a close place to go, and more than anything a place that I know people, and a family who has kids who Cristiana can play with (Cyah, the oldest, was actually just a few months old here when Cristiana was born, we have an ADORABLE photo of the two of them when she was just days old!), and a place that has good medical care.
Lord, we once again put ALL of this into Your Hands! In Jesus Name, Amen!
Also, to all of you, please do know that I am ok. I physically do have pain still, but am taking the meds to get me through. I will do whatever I have to do protect this little child, and to what the docs say I need to do. Thank you in advance for praying for us! God bless!
Sorry if some of this seems disjointed, I feel very much that way right now as I am tired, but wanted to write!
Nairobi, Kenya
Happy New Year! Wow, what a way to start the New Year. Hmmmmm, what will this year have to show us?
Last night was your normal typical New Year’s Eve celebration kind of time. It was quiet in the evening, then around midnight fireworks started off. We were all sound asleep at that point, but heard this morning that it was more likely that than gunfire. When your ears are attuned to the difference, you can tell the difference. I wish that we did not know that difference, but we do. :-)
We enjoyed some time with our friends here on the compound, having some good food and good fellowship. Since we were all so tired from the day none of us stayed very long. Cristiana and I came home in time for her bed at 8.00pm. I was in bed by 9.00. I never even woke up when Rod came later. He said he was at the party until about 11.00. We all slept well last night, which was a praise, yet again! The Lord is sustaining us through this. It is still hard on my heart to know that friends are suffering as they are.
Thank you for all of the emails we have been getting from people. Thank you for the prayers for this country! We so badly need them. We know that the Lord is doing great things here in the midst of this incredible chaos. And, He is protecting us as well. Rod prayed yesterday, in the midst of the gunfire time, that the Lord would post His soldiers outside our compounds and mission houses all over this city. And, that the people who would visibly be able to see them and just keep going, not messing with us at all. (I liked that prayer!!)
Rod checked the news a bit last night and there are reports that over 800 refugees have fled to Uganda. An interesting turn of events. It is always people who come to this country as refugees, as opposed to people leaving here. It is weird.
The sounds out there today are normal. A friend went out to the airport this morning and said that the roads seemed normal, just light with traffic, and the people were calm. It is nice to think that things may be calming down. However, with the “Million-Man-March” that is scheduled for Thursday, who knows what may happen. The Lord does, and we are thankful that He is in complete control.
The hardest hit area is still out in Western Province. There are some “shoot to kill” mandates in Kisumu town, so people are staying home, or have already fleed. We are praying that things settle down there.
That is all for now. Please keep praying for this country and her people. Please also pray for continued wisdom and discernment for our mission in decisions that need to be made. We are still at the point of just sitting still and waiting. We pray that it all stays that way! And, please pray that little Sally just stays where she needs to in the midst of this. I do NOT want to have to deliver a baby (premie at this point) and then have to deal with the instability here. Thank you for praying!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.30pm local time
Nairobi, Kenya
Well, today has been an interesting day! All started out very calm and easy. We had good rest last night, which, again we are thankful for. I had some severe pelvic bone pain last night, where I was unable to put weight on my left leg. Rod had to help me get to ready for bed. (Oh, what a wonderful husband I have!) I took a muscle relaxant that is specific for this, as prescribed by my doc here, and slept well all night.
I fell asleep last night thinking about where I would go if I needed to, under the circumstances. I first thought South Africa or London. We have friends with the Baptist Mission and we could get a recommendation of a place to stay there in South Africa. We have friends in London who could ask their church for a place to stay and doc info. Then, this morning as I was looking at a big map that is on our wall, and telling Rod about my thoughts, a great thought came to mind. Doha, Qatar! Qatar is a small little country beside Saudi Arabia and UAE (United Arab Emirates).
Why Doha?! We have some friends (Daryl and Angie Daniel) who live there, working with Texas A&M University. They just moved there a few months ago, and Angie is 36 weeks pregnant this week. It would be an easy transition, she would have the doc and hospital already identified, and we could go somewhere that Rod would not even have to be with us the whole time.
Then, I checked email. Angie had already written and said the same thing, without us even asking to come!!!! How cool is that?!
Then, with the day being as simple and calm and all of those things here, I was about to write her back and say, thanks but we’ll stay here. I laid in bed most of the day, until this afternoon when we got word from the “higher ups” in the organization. We were told that things out in Western (Province) were completely falling apart and the missionaries/nationals (the targeted ethnic group – Kikuyu -- that is affiliated with a Christian organization) are requesting evacuation. MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) and AIM AIR are gearing up to go get them tomorrow. The number is growing of how many people may be coming out.
Then, we were also advised that Cristiana and I should leave, get to a safe place where if the baby comes I will be in good care. There are a few reasons for that -- first, Rod needs to do his job, and he cannot do that properly with knowing that I am here and possibly needing him. He needs to know that Cristiana and I and the baby are all safe. Second, I do not want to have a baby here right now. Things here in the city are still well, but Thursday things could change, or they could not. We just don’t want to take that chance at this point.
So, here is the point of this email: Cristiana and I have reservations to fly to Doha Qatar on the 4.00pm flight tomorrow (2nd Jan). A friend is going with us to help me with Cristiana.
Here is the prayer request(s): please pray that we can get a doctor’s note to allow me to fly (at 34 weeks), that the airlines will allow me to fly, and that all goes well for us to get there tomorrow. We will also be separated from Rod for an unknown period of time -- hopefully only a few weeks or less. Basically that the Lord would open the doors to get us out. We do have back up plans for everything, from trying every airline at the airport, taking us anywhere they will take us, to simply getting over to Entebbe, Uganda, somehow.
But, we know that the Lord will take us where He wants us to be . . . PERIOD! Please just pray with us that He shows us that and, again, opens the doors -- literally, of the airplane -- to get us there.
We are so thankful for a close place to go, and more than anything a place that I know people, and a family who has kids who Cristiana can play with (Cyah, the oldest, was actually just a few months old here when Cristiana was born, we have an ADORABLE photo of the two of them when she was just days old!), and a place that has good medical care.
Lord, we once again put ALL of this into Your Hands! In Jesus Name, Amen!
Also, to all of you, please do know that I am ok. I physically do have pain still, but am taking the meds to get me through. I will do whatever I have to do protect this little child, and to what the docs say I need to do. Thank you in advance for praying for us! God bless!
Sorry if some of this seems disjointed, I feel very much that way right now as I am tired, but wanted to write!
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