Update 1.3.2011

Love, Loss, and Memories – This has been a different kind of week as we received word of Sister Blake's father passing away. He was hurting and it was expected but still leaves a hole in our hearts as we miss him. We love him and have spent time reminiscing of all the wonderful memories we have and the example he has been throughout our lives. We feel blessed for the Gospel of Jesus Christ which gives us the peace and assurance that he is okay and that we will be with him again one day. We will miss being with family and friends at this time but know we are where he wanted us to be and doing what he wanted us to do.

Time in the Hills – We spent Tuesday and Wednesday with regular classes. The drive is beautiful right now with everything so green. We were told yesterday, however, that they are praying for more rain as it is really needed now for their shambas to produce.
     

Friday night was spent with the other couples for New Year's Eve but we were up early Saturday to drive to Kyambeke for a baptism including investigators from two branches. One brother, Josephat from Mitini, lives a very long ways away and has a blind adult son so we went early and picked up Josephat, his, wife, and son. We had only been to their home one time and were lucky to be able to find it again! They were waiting and had prepared “cocoa tea” for us before we could leave for the baptism. (They assured us it was not tea.) We were in a hurry but didn't want to offend them as it is the custom. He had asked Elder Blake to baptize him. We have been trying to have the members do the baptizing but this was a special request. He is a strong and educated man and will be a wonderful help for leadership in the Mitini Branch. About 10 people were baptized and it was a special day.

Elder B, Josephat, Wife and Son

Elders, Branch Leaders, and New Members

The rest of the day was spent making visits to homes and helping the missionaries. We gave them a ride home as Elder Hayes was taken sick. We had arranged dinner for them and a planning meeting at our flat, but we took dinner to their home so they didn't have to go out (Sprite for the sick Elder!) We talked about how blessed we were to have a flat in Kikoko to make it possible to spend more time serving instead of driving back to Nairobi. We attended church in Kyambeke Branch Sunday before returning home.

Our distinct impression was that Dad would be pleased with the service we were able to render and that's what he would expect us to do even as the family were gathering at home for his funeral. We are grateful for the peace we feel at this time.

We love you. Stay safe and well.