A little over four months ago we arrived back in Kenya. Our luggage, stuffed with books, baby supplies, and even Isaiah’s new bicycle made it, too, without getting lost. That was surprising, considering how eventful the trip was… the travel agent put us on two different airplanes, and it was a headache every step of the way to undo that. BUT, we made it, and very happy to be here.
Getting back into a routine has been a slower climb to altitude than normal. One factor is AIM AIR’s very focused self-identity search, and the other is Jack and Breanna’s health.
Transition has surrounded us from the very start of our ministry. Since we’ve stepped on board, the ride has been choppy. After several management changes, incidents, serious accidents, and the planned separation from Samaritan’s Purse Aviation organization for Africa, we’ve arrived at a pivotal time.
I cannot honestly say this is comfortable, but I can say we are asking the right questions. I personally hope AIM AIR will grow in wisdom as we make corrections and learn. We are starting with fundamental questions, such as who we are, what we value, and how is God using us.
We have been told that keeping our Lokichoggio base is part of the answer, for now.
Jack’s progress continues to amaze us. His check ups are now more of a routine, and his growth continues uninterrupted, especially in the lungs department.
Breanna’s health still causes some problems, but nothing serious or long term, and she’s able to keep it under control.
Olivia started boarding school at Rift Valley Academy in August, and in early September we made the move back home to Lokichogio (AKA Lokichokio or Lokichoggio for those searching with online mapping). It’s great to be back, but it seems strangely different. Olivia’s room is empty, the fence I put up around a “back yard” for our loyal dog stands without purpose now, and our neighbors, Jon and Ginny, are packing up their house to leave for a different assignment, leaving me as the de facto base manager.
We have friends here, Grace and Isaiah love it here, and our house, although full of dust, feels like home. And, like our managers in AIM AIR, we feel God has work for us in Loki to do.
An interesting twist in coming back has been the eagerness the airport staff have shown that we will keep a base of operations here. Loki airport has grown much quieter since the massive numbers of humanitarian flights that existed earlier this century, and I think many of the airport workers are discouraged. It seems that if I can spend a little more time at the airport, then we can maintain a great relationship there. One of the first things I asked the airport manager about was starting a weekly bible study. She was thrilled. I mentioned it one of the security officers, who approached me several times later and said, “You know, I’m from the Catholic church, and often times we don’t have much chance to study the Bible. So I would really like to come.”
I finally received approval for a time when everyone is free to come, but it won’t significantly intrude on their work day.
As Loki becomes busy for us again, we face challenges with South Sudan’s ever changing and fluid requirements for air travel, and we remain hopeful that another family will join us and help out.
For AIM AIR public relations, the big project these last few weeks has been printing our AIM AIR calendar for 2013. For many years they have been given to supporters, government officials, and fellow missionaries. The challenge now has been sending the files the print house needs from Loki, with our less than perfect internet. I received a few phone calls from the printer at 1:30 in the morning (calling with a 10 hour time difference) to tell me my file didn’t work quite right.
The next project after the calendar is editing a video I have collaborated with our On Field Media team in Nairobi. I’m looking forward to getting back to that because of the story we get to tell.
Breanna started leading a bible study again with a women’s group, and we’re thinking of ways to take Swahili lessons, plus what we can do to enrich the lives of a handful of children who visit our house to play.
It’s been a long time getting back to “normal,” but we’ve leveled off and our changed family has reached cruise in Loki and Kijabe. I get to balance a PR role and manage our Loki operations. I feel quite lucky doing both. And if God can use me to touch a few lives here as well, that’s like frosting on top.
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