Welcome to the National Officers Training College

On Sunday 5 July 2009, I took my first unaccompanied drive out of Nairobi and made my way to the city of Thika. This is where the National Officers Training College is located. It took me just about an hour to get there. The NOTC serves both the Kenya East and Kenya West Territories. With the Envoys who are being trained through a module system, there are a total of just over 100 in training.

The purpose of my trip was to conduct a Spiritual Day at the NOTC. This was a last minute change in the schedule so Janice was not able to be there. She was in another city at one of her regional welcomes as the Territorial Leader for Women's Ministries. As this was my first visit to the NOTC as Chief Secretary, they gave me the grand welcome and really rolled out the red carpet.

As I approached the NOTC through a pineapple plantation, I received a call to tell me to stop a few hundred yards outside of the gate and allow the motorcycles to accompany me into the compound. At the gate they had me get out of the car and walk the rest of the way in with an escort of cadets toward where I would meet the Training Principal and the rest of the staff. After being greeted by the staff, the cadets then performed a timbrel drill and a small group presented a vocal number. It is interesting to note that both men and women enjoy playing the timbrel here.

Overall it was a good day and a great opportunity to learn a bit more about how the training programme works here. As the cadets are required to have a good handle on English, I was able to preach without translation--which I must say is quite a bit easier than with translation, but I think that I'll get used to being translated.

On Safari in Kenya

On 18 July 2009 we took a day trip to Nairobi National Park. This park is only about 25 minutes from our house and is located just on the southern city limits of Nairobi. It is a self-drive tour and we were up close and personal with quite a few wild animals. Some ran away when they saw us, while others just stopped and stared. Enjoy our highlights of the day. Other than pictures, the other thing that we brought home that day was a car full of dust.

Birdbathing

This evening, Steve and I were sitting outside on the front porch. Ah…it is a lovely sight. What caught my eye today were the birds playing in the birdbath. There are several different types of birds, of which are all new to me. The bathing routine toggled between several birds of the same species to mixed species; it was most interesting. All of the birds were accommodating to the others; mama and papa bird obviously teach good manners.

As I watched the birds “being birds in a birdbath” and splashing water all over, I thought of my prayer the last several days. Lord, please send enough rain over this entire country that there will be enough for the land and crops, for food preparation, for washing, for drinking, for bathing, and even for the children to play in it. In my mind’s eye, I picture the children playing and splashing in puddles and in streams, laughing and squealing. Please, Lord, send the rain on Kenya. Please join in prayer.

On 28 June 2009 we traveled to the northernmost part of the Kenya East Territory. We had conducted a divisional review the day prior at Meru. We specialled at the Isiolo Corps. As we drove from Meru to Isiolo we went over the crest of a hill and moved from a green agricultural area to a very arid place. We saw some huge catii on the side of the road. About 20km of the road was under construction and it was like driving over an old fashioned washboard.

There was a wonderful spirit at the corps and they gave us a very warm welcome (beyond the fact that it was about 97 degrees at noon that day). Needless to say, I didn't wear my tunic. The area is very poor as it hasn't rained in over a year and agriculture provides about the only income possibility.

Watch this slideshow to see more about the Isiolo Corps.

Hangin’ Out at the Howards’ Home

I love to have friends at our house. Sometimes we might sit inside around the dining room table or other times we are found on the front porch. Almost every day four of our friends come to our house; but they never come inside. I think that either they have had a bad experience or their parents have just told them to hang outside…that is exactly what they do. I wonder if they keep returning because they know that we miss so many of our friends from the States. Sammy, Jay, Abby, and Syd are quadruplets; unusual, I know. They are as cute and healthy as could be. I have offered them something to drink or eat, but they always decline; I think that they are eating quite a bit at night. Anyway, here are a few photos of our new friends…

From Kenyan Bats

From Kenyan Bats

From Kenyan Bats

From Kenyan Bats

From Kenyan Bats