This afternoon a few children were standing on the road watching us sit outside, playing Duplos and eating popcorn. I say, "jambo" and they came up to the fence, grinning ear to ear. Hunter went and opened the gate and says, "Njoo" (come in). Several times. She adds, "Cheza?" (Play?) Never losing their silly grins, they didn't move. So I came over and they ran back to the road. In my very best Kiswahili, I asked them to come play. By now there's about 10 kids. I asked if they wanted to come play. They said yes, but wouldn't come. So finally I told them to either come in and play or go home, but not to stand there and stare at us. Silly grins continue. I repeat, come in or go home, as simply and clearly as I can. Finally one little girl pipes up, "I don't understand white people language!" Argh!
I say, "Ah! I'm not speaking white people language, I'm speaking your language!" Alas, apparently I need more practice.
In other news, Justin has been traveling all over meeting the elders of different villages, Regional and District Commissioners, principals, laymen, politicians and other sorts. Really, that makes all sorts, doesn't it? He is working on getting drinking water into several areas that are completely without water for most or all of the year. Many areas have to bring boatloads or truckloads of fresh water from other parts of the island every day. Pray with us that he could be a bringer of water as well as Light for so many who need it.
Us girls are doing fine, meeting neighbors, studying lots and learning to love it here. Pray our shorter times out are filled with a Joy and Light that is undeniable and most desirable. We miss you all!
Her words continue to trickle in. She's attempting Mimi (finally, hooray!) and ME! (for those moments when I say, "who wants candy?") and please which also comes out as NI! Not too much variety, but it's coming along!
Speaking of bright girls, somebody finished her Kindergarten Phonics curriculum! 
I know, 2 months is insane. In the past 3 years of very poor home-schooling, apparently I did teach her something worthwhile. So today she started her first First Grade Book and loved it. She's so proud. It takes about twice as long now, and that's a bit much, so we are all re-working life to figure out how to make it work. 
Avery weasled her way into school today too. She's been asking me when, oh when can she learn how to read too. So today she got to start the first Kindergarten book. She told Justin it was "easy-peasy, lemon-squeazy". Meanwhile, Braelyn grabbed whatever book she could get her hands on, and wiggled into my lap every time I thought she was occupied. Ah me. Good thing we have all day...every day...for the rest of our lives...
But in the meantime...
Our friend Ginger from back home has come for a look-see and it's been wonderful! For me, hopefully for her too. This week she has been putting on a one-woman VBS program for the kids on our team...that's up to 7 kids 7 and under! Whew is right! 
We have also gotten to share with her some of the sights of the island, we went visiting neighbors, shopping in the marketplace, and playing with some local kids who've taken to coming to play every day. 
Next week we'll take her to Mombasa to check out the work with the street kids and then she'll spend some time with a different team nearby. I will certainly be sad to share her! But it's awesome to be able to show my new home to someone from my old home. And to see and hear what God is doing in another person's heart regarding his love of the lost! 
Thanks for coming and BLESSING us, Tangawizi! And thanks to her family and friends for sharing her!
Braelyn is potty trained! Not when she sleeps, but I've been spoiled by my first 2 who stayed dry by this age. Still, it's awesome that she's day potty trained at 18 1/2 months! She was really into it and needed no prompting from me. Except that she loves to poop outside. THAT I do try to discourage. Talking is another matter. Her words doubled the week after she got tubes in her ears and I was really encouraged. But they've definitely slowed down. Oh well, what does a third born need to talk for when her sisters hardly give her a chance anyways? Thus we just end up with a lot of yelled, "MOM!" Yes. She also quit calling me "Mama" and refers simply to me as "MOM!" In that tone of voice.
Sweet Angels, true gifts from heaven, how can I do right by you? God, give me patience and joy to raise these girls to love and follow you. Give me the strength to spend each day with them without going crazy.
