Habari #17

“that's a God thing”
Do you know that feeling when you just know it can't be a coincidence? Something like that is happening to me (Lisa) right now... and the best part is, it's coming from my hometown!
Ever since I've been here, I've been driven by the idea of offering more in the area of inner healing, something that goes deep, something that guides people into the presence of God, something even more "subcutaneous"—that is, going under the skin from the head to the heart…something like Karin Ebert's healing weeks and seminars (which many people in Germany and Austria have already benefited from)—I secretly thought…
At the end of last year, Karin reappeared in my life as my spiritual guide, and from the casual question, "Would you like to do something in Africa?", an exciting pilot project has now developed!

In May, Karin Ebert will be with us for three weeks to lead pastoral care training, a healing week, and quiet days. I'm very curious to see how these offerings are received. We want to invite participants from all income levels and are still looking for a few people to help cover the costs. With €80, you can enable someone to participate in the healing week!

Banda Health Review
2022 was a difficult year for the Banda Health team. We lost staff, some clinics failed, and a few churches discontinued their services. However, I now believe we have a stable, capable team again, with everyone behind our vision, and through new partnerships, more clinics than ever before are receiving our support.

The best thing about my job is the relationships with really cool people like Daktari Kinyua (above). Simple dental technology (bottom left). My girls also accompanied me once (bottom right).

I am especially grateful to my implementation team (we are the ones who travel to churches and clinics to advise and train), and the tremendous work they are doing, particularly in Kenya. This has relieved me so much that I can focus more on new countries. For example, we have been able to get started with clinics in India and Indonesia. The planned rollouts in Malawi and South Sudan have been postponed until this year.
We are starting 2023 optimistically with expansions to our package of services for primary care clinics and small hospitals that want to serve the poor and unreached, as well as plans to bring even more clinics on board.

Team fun is essential, too. At our January meeting, the developers, analysts, and implementers competed against each other in a foot race. Guess which team won? 🙂

drought
The drought in East Africa is unfortunately still ongoing, and the resulting famine is terrible. In Kenya, we are seeing a large migration of desperate people from rural areas to already overcrowded cities, along with increased crime and susceptibility to radicalization by terrorist groups.

As we write this message, a forest fire has broken out, visible from Kijabe. We thank God that prayers have been answered and the wind has turned away from Kijabe. (Photo by our friend David Shirk).

Big News – Miners in Kenya are multiplying!
No, we're not pregnant, but hopefully all three miner boys and their families will soon be living and working in Kijabe. David's youngest brother, Mix, plans to move to Kijabe with his wife Kathy and their three children to teach at Rift Valley Academy (our girls' school). Click HERE to learn more.

Daniel and Gabi will also be joining us with their children at the beginning of next year. Daniel will be training doctors at the AIC Kijabe Mission Hospital. We are very happy to have more family around us!

Thankful…	Hopeful…
– For a successful year in which we were able to experience God's support through difficult times. – For the opportunity to try new things (healing week) – For deep relationships and friendships	Are we still waiting for rain for the thirsty land? – For a strong team and the right participants for the Healing Retreat in May – That we never tire of showing genuine interest in the people God places in our lives

Some highlights of the last few months:
A special visit from our dear friends, with whom we were able to admire the sunrise from the summit of Mt. Kenya on Lisa's birthday!

Lisa, from our village printing shop "Syba," is preparing materials for the "Peace Corners" at the school (left). David is working on a personal finance app; here are the first two test users (right).

The children had the entire month of December off school. That means time for some family activities!

Christmas in Kijabe! On Christmas Eve, patients in the hospital are serenaded (left). Small gift packages for acquaintances in the neighborhood (right).

Kijabe remains a wonderland for nature lovers. There are always new trails to discover within walking distance. Our beloved wild fig tree also proves to be an excellent launching point for practicing abseiling.