Habari means "message" or "What's up?" in Swahili. If you've missed our latest newsletters, simply click here: MH#01, MH#02, MH#03 or MH#04. You can also HERE Sign up for future newsletters.
Our vision:
Making more effective health services possible in East Africa.
HERE You can learn more about our project.
Caribou Kenya!
(Welcome to Kenya)
We've been breathing African air for a month now. We're amazed by so many new smells (like fresh mandasi – something like cardamom-flavored breakfast doughnuts), colors (like the red of the earth), sounds (like the different birds in our garden), and above all, the people. The warmth with which we were welcomed here by the team from our partner organization, SIM Kenya, and other friends made our arrival much sweeter. (The tropical fruits certainly help with that, too.)
We've settled in nicely by now. Work permits, internet connection, cell phones, cars, household chores, school… all these things are sorted out – which isn't always a given in this country. Lisa also now has the correct passport in the right country. (Thanks to everyone who followed along with bated breath.) Thank goodness! Now we can fully concentrate on learning the language, and the children can focus on their new school, which started this week.
On their very first day, Noemi and Layla met up with the neighborhood children. Our girls are a great role model for us when it comes to being approachable. They're always excited to meet new children. Layla is slowly starting to use her English. The placement test at the new school went really well for both of them, and they've been placed in their assigned classes. We're so happy with our sociable girls!
First impressions…
On our living room wall hangs a poster where we record what we're discovering about Kenyan culture and what we find beautiful. It's fun to be able to immerse ourselves in this new culture! Milk in plastic bags, monkeys in the garden, electric tennis rackets used as mosquito killers, daily bargaining, dance lessons during a Kenyan church service, down jackets in 25-degree weather, and at least 20 friendly handshakes as a greeting every day are just a few of the interesting observations we've made so far.
Cultural exchange enriches
Winnie and Sylvia are two young women who gave us a wonderfully fresh and lively introduction to cultural differences during our SIM orientation days. Among other things, they explained that giving gifts to hosts is not customary in Kenya.
A Kenyan woman, for example, doesn't know what to do with cut flowers; there would already be… Read more
Finances
Some time ago, Lisa said it would be a miracle if the funding for our work came through. And indeed, the miracle happened! Our network of partners has now expanded to over 100 individuals, families, and organizations. We were able to leave with over €801,000 of the necessary funds. This gift leaves us in awe. We are incredibly grateful to each and every one of you who supports our work here!
Approximately 90% of the required monthly financial resources for our work are already available!
Would you like to send us the last 10% help?
During my quiet time, the Lord recently reminded me (Lisa) that His goal is not only to lead us into Amazement to convey about His miracles. The disciples were sitting in the boat at that time, after Jesus had multiplied food and walked by the water, and they were amazed. But He wants to show us more than that, who He is the one who performs these miracles. Just as some disciples recognized Him in that boat and called out to Jesus: „Truly, you are the Son of God!“ (Matthew 15:33).
We are at the beginning of a project that – we hope – will help many people in need. astonishing It will bring good things. Indeed, we hear impressive stories daily about God's work in this land. May many people be speechless at the end of the day, realizing from whom all good things ultimately come.
prayer corner
Living in a foreign culture and our work here presents unique challenges; this five-finger graphic provides a good overview of the different areas. We would be grateful if you would include our family in your prayers.
And for those who want to know the details:
- Personal spiritual life – that the joy of the Lord is our strength
- Preservation (internal and external)– Challenge due to doubt, inviolability in traffic and at home
- Social environment – Balance and wisdom in who we spend time with, family as a primary service area, good resource management
- service – that David can integrate quickly and well into his new team
- fruit – that God works in the hearts of the people we encounter daily (gardeners, landlords, neighbors, housekeepers, parents at school, language teachers…).
Do you want to send us mail?
We're so happy to receive letters! But please only send letters, no other items or money, and no parcels either. They either won't arrive at all, or we'll have to go to customs and declare them separately!
SIM Kenya
Miner Family
PO Box 60875
00200 Nairobi
Kenya
We are happy to share our lives with you and stay in touch! Warmest greetings from Kenya,
The Miners
