Eli's sermon
2 months ago
Monday, January 28, 2008
Rollin'.... Rollin'.... Rollin on my tummy!
Andrew has a new trick! We have been working so hard on this trick! And Andrew did it all by himself Friday night -- and hasn't stopped since then! So, it was super easy to get a video. Enjoy!
Andrew's Latest Adventures
Andrew is growing so much every day. It seems to me that he grows from when I drop him off at school to when I pick him up each day. Jonathan definitely sees a difference every week when he comes from Illinois. Andrew has started eating real foods, well, baby real foods. He started out with carrots, then sweet pototoes, then squash. Now he is on green beans. He will have peas tomorrow. And fruits to start later this week. He loves to eat anything we give him! Hopefully he will continue that as he grows.
Mmm... Good!
Reading so early!
This onesie was made by Aunt Tobey -- see he loves you!
One of his other favorite activities is hanging out with Dad when he is home.
Snoozing with Dad on the air mattress this past weekend when The Stonecipher's were visiting.
Watching TV with Dad-- even have learned how to use the remote!
Napping with Mom -- in the big bed!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Feet
Andrew getting his feet after eating!
In the carseat
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Growing Boy
Andrew is growing up quickly! I know that children do grow up so quick, everyone has told me that from the beginning. But it seems that our boy really does grow quick! Andrew had his four month check-up and shots yesterday (he is actually 4 1/2 months, but who is counting!). He now weighs in at 17lbs 15oz and is 28 inches long! Those stats put him in the 90-95 percentile for a baby his age! I told you he is growing up quickly! Here are a couple of recent pictures of our precious boy!
I've got my toes!
Snoozing with Mommy!
Andrew has a new hobby! Taking off his socks so he can get to those cute little toes! I think his cousin Avery taught him that trick. She takes her shoes and socks off all the time!
I've gotten my sock off!
Daddy and Andrew
Tummy time on Daddy and Mommy's bed. Look at me hold my head up so big!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Mann Update 2
Dear Friends,
Just wanted to let you know what is happening in Kenya. The weekend has been relatively calm in most parts of the country. Our travel restrictions were lifted yesterday and we were allowed to go to certain areas of Nairobi. Fuel is available locally as well as food. In Nairobi yesterday, there seemed to be plenty of food supplies. Prices of some items are being increased. Pre-paid cell phone cards were a little harder to get. We are not sure what will happen with prices of fuel and supplies as some items are being delayed due to trouble on the main highways and also many factories/businesses have remained closed or only open for limited times.
Our school has been delayed until Jan. 19th. This is a Saturday and hopefully the students can arrive that day and be prepared for classes on the following Monday. School administration continues to meet and discuss how the school term will look to make up for the lost time. Continue to pray that our students can return at that time. Also, pray for our students who are located in areas that are seeing much of the violence in Kenya. One of the boys in 11th grade, the class we sponsor, his father's church was burned down last week during the riots. The people in Kenya are hurting deeply over this. Many have lost their lives, homes and work. Many people are seeking refuge in our area since they have been displaced. We are praying that we will be salt and light to these people as we help provide food, water and clothes.
Our local church service this morning was very emotional as we prayed for peace and healing for this nation. Pastor Simon spoke from 2 Chronicles 7:14- "if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear them from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." He charged each person there not to give in to the tribal hatred that is happening and to remember that prayer is our greatest weapon.
President Kibaki agreed yesterday to form a coalition gov't with the opposition party. Odinga(opposition) agreed yesterday that he would come to the table with no pre-set conditions but demanded an international mediator. I just heard today that Odinga has rejected any form of coalition gov't and that his rallies will go as planned on Tuesday. It is unclear what will happen next. Thank you for your prayers during this difficult time for Kenya. Please continue to pray for peace between Kenyan brothers and sisters and a resolution to this political situation. Again, we are safe here at Kijabe. We praise God for this safe haven during this time. We will continue to update you as things progress here. Keep praying for peace!
In His Hands,
Chip and Suzann
Just wanted to let you know what is happening in Kenya. The weekend has been relatively calm in most parts of the country. Our travel restrictions were lifted yesterday and we were allowed to go to certain areas of Nairobi. Fuel is available locally as well as food. In Nairobi yesterday, there seemed to be plenty of food supplies. Prices of some items are being increased. Pre-paid cell phone cards were a little harder to get. We are not sure what will happen with prices of fuel and supplies as some items are being delayed due to trouble on the main highways and also many factories/businesses have remained closed or only open for limited times.
Our school has been delayed until Jan. 19th. This is a Saturday and hopefully the students can arrive that day and be prepared for classes on the following Monday. School administration continues to meet and discuss how the school term will look to make up for the lost time. Continue to pray that our students can return at that time. Also, pray for our students who are located in areas that are seeing much of the violence in Kenya. One of the boys in 11th grade, the class we sponsor, his father's church was burned down last week during the riots. The people in Kenya are hurting deeply over this. Many have lost their lives, homes and work. Many people are seeking refuge in our area since they have been displaced. We are praying that we will be salt and light to these people as we help provide food, water and clothes.
Our local church service this morning was very emotional as we prayed for peace and healing for this nation. Pastor Simon spoke from 2 Chronicles 7:14- "if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear them from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." He charged each person there not to give in to the tribal hatred that is happening and to remember that prayer is our greatest weapon.
President Kibaki agreed yesterday to form a coalition gov't with the opposition party. Odinga(opposition) agreed yesterday that he would come to the table with no pre-set conditions but demanded an international mediator. I just heard today that Odinga has rejected any form of coalition gov't and that his rallies will go as planned on Tuesday. It is unclear what will happen next. Thank you for your prayers during this difficult time for Kenya. Please continue to pray for peace between Kenyan brothers and sisters and a resolution to this political situation. Again, we are safe here at Kijabe. We praise God for this safe haven during this time. We will continue to update you as things progress here. Keep praying for peace!
In His Hands,
Chip and Suzann
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Mann Update
Thanks so much for your prayers. I got an email from my mom this evening and she has given a timeline of events and an update. And she also mentioned that she had talked to our house worker and she does not feel threatened at all, which is good.
* Elections 27 Dec.
* Dec. 28th 7am- I arrived back in Kenya, still counting votes, very peaceful
*Dec. 29th, the opposition party demanding that the votes be tallied and winner announced, some rallies, We were restricted from travel into Nairobi beginning today
Chip did have to go to the airport to pick up some arriving staff. He went in a convoy. The airport is about 1 hour away from Kijabe. No problems
On Saturday the tally of the votes showed Odinga ahead by 32,000 votes
*Sunday 30 Dec. Kibaki sworn in as president winning with over 200,000 votes. There was celebration from his tribe/supporters(Kikuyu) and protests from the ODM(opposition)mostly Luo tribe. Odinga also declared that he was president. State of confusion. President Kibaki is a Kikuyu and Odinga is a Luo. They represent 2 different tribes. There are many tribes(like 50) in Kenya.. Kikuyu is the largest.
*Demonstrations continue around the nation. Many Kikuyu people being targeted. People being forced from their homes and businesses around the country. We live in a totally Kikuyu community, thus not significant issues. Also, it is important to realize that much of the conflict has occurred in slum areas who heavily supported Odinga(opposition party) Also, realize that many Kenyans respond to issues with riotous behavior also mob justice or revenge.
* New Year's Day-Kikuyu who are being run away from their homes are taking refuge in police stations, churches etc. A church was torched and many people were killed, many of them children. The victims were all Kikuyu. This took place in Eldoret which is about 175 miles from us. Shelia Parrish has a niece in this town I believe. Obtaining fuel has become a major issue, thus getting supplies is an issue. The decision to postpone the start of our school was made on 29 Dec. due to the uncertainty of where this was going.
Jan. 2 A group of us, maybe 30 went to Nairobi today to buy supplies. We convoyed again, Chip drove a 34 passenger mini bus and 2 other vehicles went as well. We were able to buy almost everything we needed. The stores were busy and the lines were long. However, we got there early and got flour, sugar, bread, some meat and some produce. Many stores had been closed since before Christmas. We were also able to fill the vehicles up with petrol on our way home. It was calm and peaceful while we were in town. School administration is meeting daily and communicating with us and the parents of our students about what is going on. We had numerous prayer times today to pray for Kenya and for the political parties to come together. We have heard/read that Koffi, former UN General Sec, maybe Desmond Tutu may arrive in Kenya tomorrow along with others to help mediate this situation.
*Tomorrow Jan. 3rd. Odinga has scheduled a rally/march of mourning. He is calling for 1 million people to march. The government has told him he is not allowed to hold this but he is planning to go ahead with it. We pray that this will indeed be a peaceful march, however the reaction/response to this could cause more issues. PRAY for peace
We are SAFE here in Kijabe. We do not feel threatened. We are trying to make good decisions about bringing our students back into Kenya. We are also exercising extreme caution in our travel in and out of Nairobi. We have water, electricity, food and most importantly a knowledge that we are in God's protective hand. We also know that you are praying for us and the safety of those here and for peace in this nation. I truly believe that RVA is one of the most prayer covered places on earth and for that I am truly thankful.
We are talking to our kids regularly and keeping them informed. We will also let you know of any changes. Please feel free to check out international news on the internet or CNN. We are certainly not the top news story. Our newspaper here is the The Daily Nation and that can be accessed for more info. Thank you for your prayers, We love you and miss you. It was great to see so many of you while I was there. Keep praying, feel free to write us. We always enjoy hearing from home.
Knowing that we are held in His Hand, Chip and Suzann
* Elections 27 Dec.
* Dec. 28th 7am- I arrived back in Kenya, still counting votes, very peaceful
*Dec. 29th, the opposition party demanding that the votes be tallied and winner announced, some rallies, We were restricted from travel into Nairobi beginning today
Chip did have to go to the airport to pick up some arriving staff. He went in a convoy. The airport is about 1 hour away from Kijabe. No problems
On Saturday the tally of the votes showed Odinga ahead by 32,000 votes
*Sunday 30 Dec. Kibaki sworn in as president winning with over 200,000 votes. There was celebration from his tribe/supporters(Kikuyu) and protests from the ODM(opposition)mostly Luo tribe. Odinga also declared that he was president. State of confusion. President Kibaki is a Kikuyu and Odinga is a Luo. They represent 2 different tribes. There are many tribes(like 50) in Kenya.. Kikuyu is the largest.
*Demonstrations continue around the nation. Many Kikuyu people being targeted. People being forced from their homes and businesses around the country. We live in a totally Kikuyu community, thus not significant issues. Also, it is important to realize that much of the conflict has occurred in slum areas who heavily supported Odinga(opposition party) Also, realize that many Kenyans respond to issues with riotous behavior also mob justice or revenge.
* New Year's Day-Kikuyu who are being run away from their homes are taking refuge in police stations, churches etc. A church was torched and many people were killed, many of them children. The victims were all Kikuyu. This took place in Eldoret which is about 175 miles from us. Shelia Parrish has a niece in this town I believe. Obtaining fuel has become a major issue, thus getting supplies is an issue. The decision to postpone the start of our school was made on 29 Dec. due to the uncertainty of where this was going.
Jan. 2 A group of us, maybe 30 went to Nairobi today to buy supplies. We convoyed again, Chip drove a 34 passenger mini bus and 2 other vehicles went as well. We were able to buy almost everything we needed. The stores were busy and the lines were long. However, we got there early and got flour, sugar, bread, some meat and some produce. Many stores had been closed since before Christmas. We were also able to fill the vehicles up with petrol on our way home. It was calm and peaceful while we were in town. School administration is meeting daily and communicating with us and the parents of our students about what is going on. We had numerous prayer times today to pray for Kenya and for the political parties to come together. We have heard/read that Koffi, former UN General Sec, maybe Desmond Tutu may arrive in Kenya tomorrow along with others to help mediate this situation.
*Tomorrow Jan. 3rd. Odinga has scheduled a rally/march of mourning. He is calling for 1 million people to march. The government has told him he is not allowed to hold this but he is planning to go ahead with it. We pray that this will indeed be a peaceful march, however the reaction/response to this could cause more issues. PRAY for peace
We are SAFE here in Kijabe. We do not feel threatened. We are trying to make good decisions about bringing our students back into Kenya. We are also exercising extreme caution in our travel in and out of Nairobi. We have water, electricity, food and most importantly a knowledge that we are in God's protective hand. We also know that you are praying for us and the safety of those here and for peace in this nation. I truly believe that RVA is one of the most prayer covered places on earth and for that I am truly thankful.
We are talking to our kids regularly and keeping them informed. We will also let you know of any changes. Please feel free to check out international news on the internet or CNN. We are certainly not the top news story. Our newspaper here is the The Daily Nation and that can be accessed for more info. Thank you for your prayers, We love you and miss you. It was great to see so many of you while I was there. Keep praying, feel free to write us. We always enjoy hearing from home.
Knowing that we are held in His Hand, Chip and Suzann
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Unrest in Kenya
As many of you know, Sarah's parents are missionaries in Kenya. However, many of you may not have heard about all of the unrest in Kenya recently after the presidential elections. Please pray for the country of Kenya. There have been many riots and killings because of the results of the elections. Thankfully, Sarah's mom arrived back in Kenya before the elections and made it back to their home safely. The compound they are on is in a lock-down mode. School was scheduled to resume January 3, however, it has now been postponed until January 7 to allow for the country to become a little more stable for travelling safety. As Sarah's parents write with updates and as we read articles online, they may have to push the start of school back even more. Again, we just ask for prayer ---
For saftey of ... 1)Sarah's parents, and all other missionaries in the country, 2)for the people of Kenya -- that this would not turn into a genocide like Rawanda (watch Hotel Rawada if you have not)
For the president of Kenya -- whoever it maybe ... Kibaki or Odinga, that they will restore peace and stability in the country. Pray that the government may reconcil the peoples of Kenya.
Please stay informed of this situation by reading articles at any news internet site (CNN International, BBC, or any other)
We will keep you updated as well as we can.
For saftey of ... 1)Sarah's parents, and all other missionaries in the country, 2)for the people of Kenya -- that this would not turn into a genocide like Rawanda (watch Hotel Rawada if you have not)
For the president of Kenya -- whoever it maybe ... Kibaki or Odinga, that they will restore peace and stability in the country. Pray that the government may reconcil the peoples of Kenya.
Please stay informed of this situation by reading articles at any news internet site (CNN International, BBC, or any other)
We will keep you updated as well as we can.
Happy New Year!
We wish you a very Happy New Year! We pray that God will be with each and every one of you this year. We are so excited to see what this year has instore for us this year. It is exciting to think of all the new things we will experience this year, especially all the fun that Andrew will bring as he continues to grow and learn more about this world around him!
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