Elections

I haven't written in awhile for two reasons; 1) sickness, most of my family has had the stomach flu and now I am lucky enough to have caught a yucky cold as well, and 2) We have been super busy eating.....I think we have all gained 10 pounds, which just goes to show, we have NO SELF CONTROL. This time at home has been bittersweet, sweet to see family and friends, but the thought of returning to a lonely life in Africa is still a bit bitter.

I am one of the lucky missionaries that got to return home during elections. Kenya had their elections Dec. 27Th and rioting was expected as the top presidential candidates are from two opposing tribes. Many of our friends are still in Kenya enduring the rioting that is happening right now. Please be praying for them as they are in a small town about 75 miles outside of Kisumu. They left town to wait out the elections as most of the rioting is in Kisumu. I called them this morning and they have herd that many of the businesses in Kisumu have been looted and burned; if they don't declare a president soon it is expected to get worse. They are all safe at "The Farm", Agape's vocational training center in Mitoso, but they are anxiously awaiting the election to be called to see if more violence will break out. Please be praying for this whole situation as rioting seems to escalate quickly in Africa. I will post more when I hear from them.

We're Home

We are finally home; we got home on Monday (California time) and have been trying to adjust to the time ever since. After not sleeping for 2 days we came home, got in our bed for a good nights sleep, and my Sammers woke up with the stomach flu and has been sick ever since. I found out that three days without sleep makes me a mean and grumpy person. Last night I slept until 1:00am, I woke up, and stayed awake until 3:00am. My body was thinking it was time to eat, but I stayed strong and did not eat; thinking that somehow by being hungry it would help me to get over jet lag.... not really sure why this made since in the middle of the night, but it seemed logical at the time.

Today we took Sam to the doctor. The doctor seemed to think that Sam is on the upswing, and so it was pretty much a wasted trip. I am praying for him because this sickness has wiped him out, and I hate seeing him so sick. Natalie on the other hand is happier than I have seen her in a long time; it is so good to see her silly once again. My big kids are visiting their old school, talking to their friends, and generally having a great time. I got my hair colored yesterday, and once again look as though I'm in my thirties (instead of my 50's), I can't believe how much grey I have!

I just wanted to update you all on the happenings of the Westfalls, and also to ask you to pray for my Sammers. Talk to you soon.

Friends

We leave today!!! I can't believe that we are actually going to start our long journey home in just a few more hours. Last night I was trying to go to sleep, but in all the excitement I just couldn't make myself. I was surprised by the emotions I was feeling; I felt sadness over leaving this place. I don't yet consider this my home, and it is an extremely frustrating place to live, but I have some special friends that I love and will miss. It is amazing how close we have gotten in a short amount of time because we are in this together; this life of third world living, where kids get sick, parents get scared, ministry takes over life, and life is overwhelmingly frustrating at times. We give strength and challenge each other to keep going. I have never experienced anything like it in my life, and I'm grateful that the Lord has given me such a great Kisumu (or Stinktown as Lindsay calls it) family. As I was sleepless in Stinktown last night I realized that even though I have had a hard time adjusting to this new life, I wouldn't trade this experience because of the friends I have made and the maturity I have gained. Praise God for times of swimming in green pools, sunsets that are unbelievable, Samosa Saturday, but most of all PRAYER..... it has kept us going. There are a lot of tired missionaries of this side of the world that will need a lot of prayer over the holidays, please remember to lift them up. They are amazing people that aren’t going home to celebrate Christmas, but wish they were. I will miss you guys and I love you more than you will ever know!!! Merry Christmas, see you in January.