Kenyan Election Results - PLEASE PRAY FOR KENYA!!!!

Delays in announcing a winner in the presidential election in Kenya led to many uprisings. The actual announcement has led to even more. Incumbent Mwai Kibaki was declared the winner, although his opponent, Raila Odinga, had been ahead in the polls and the preliminary vote tallies. There are many allegations that the votes have been rigged. Raila has called for a recount, but it has not been granted. As a result of all combined, riots continue and there is widespread violence, particularly among tribal lines.


The announcement of the election result was read by Mr. Kivuitu on a single local station, while all other media were expelled from the voting headquarters. All live broadcasts have been banned, as ordered by the current government.

The riots that you are seeing on the internet, tv, etc are from heavily populated areas, mostly slums. So, for my parents, grandparents, and any other people who may worry about my going...I don't live there. But, at this point, all people are advised to just stay at home and wait for things to die down.

Please be praying for the people of Kenya. Pray that the Spirit of God would be over the entire country and that all would be resolved quickly and peacefully. As He is the ultimate Shield and Protector, may the people of Kenya call on Him now. May He work in the hearts of all those involved and lead the county into a fair, safe and peaceful new year.

Here are some more links to details that explain it all better than I can!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071230/wl_nm/kenya_election_dc_64
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-12-30-kenya_N.htm
http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news.php?articleid=1143979735

Urgent Prayer for Kenya!

Please pray for peace in the country of Kenya! Pray also for fair election results. Elections took place this past Thursday. Results are still not final and allegations of unfair reporting of votes is causing major disruption around the country. The people are very anxious and tentions are rising. Riots have begun and violence is breaking out. The majority of the clashes are between the Luo and Kikuyu tribes. Please pray for all the people of Kenya, people of all tribes who, for years, have lived together in peace...until this week.

I have heard from quite a few friends there now. All are safe. Only one I know of is trapped in a tense situation. He is currently in the room where results are scheduled to be announced and is in a lock-down situation, unable to leave the room.

Continue to pray for Mr. Kivuitu. (I wrote about him on Fri. Dec. 21st.) He is under a great deal of stress, but is safe at this time. Pray also for his family (my Kenyan family). They are all safe at home right now.

You can read about the current situation at...
http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgindex.asp
or...
http://www.eastandard.net/

Tag loves Christmas, too!

Where's Tag???

Dot... she doesn't like the excitement so much.

Christmas in West Texas...Shotguns, Baby Goats & Funky Pajamas

I love Christmas! Don't you?

Yeah...guns. I didn't get one. I guess my dad figured I would appreciate James Avery earrings a little more. (Good guess, Dad!) But, Kris and Carrot (my best friend & sister-in-law) LOVE their new guns Dad gave them for Christmas! A Texas thing...girls and guns. And, of course we had to go out to Kenan & Carrot's place to try them out Christmas morning!














...a few little tips
















Kris hit every clay pigeon she shot at...when Kenan put them in a mesquite bush!

More fun at Kenan & Carrot's place...














And what Christmas is complete without new pj's at Grandma's house??

Politics in Kenya

Politics in Kenya is serious business. People in America may "talk politics," but it's a whole different thing in Kenya. They take it seriously! But, sadly, politics is very corrupt. Corruption is rampant anytime, but elections bring it all out. If you think election news dominates our headlines when election time draws near, it is nothing compared to Kenya! That's all people talk about!

Kenyan presidential elections are Thursday, December 27th. This is a dangerous time in Kenya. There are many riots, beatings, killings, etc. Please pray for the safety of all, particularly those in any form of government.

If you've read my blog much at all, you've read about my "Kenyan family." That's what I call them. They are family! (Little Timmy is the sweet one in thr picture on the top left.) This is who I live with when I am there, the Mayoli/Kivuitu family. It's a huge family, but I live with Mutua & Tina, Sammy & Timmy, and Musila the househelp. (You can see Tina & Mutua in the October Archives - Mzungu or Kenyan?) Mutua's dad, Samuel Kivuitu, is a Senior Member of Parliament, in charge of the entire electoral commission in Kenya. He is one of the few true, honest politicians in Kenya. He is well-known for that. He is the exception, but is greatly respected in the country. Elections are his "baby." So, you can imagine the intense pressure he is under at this time. He is surrounded by body guards at all times. He is a man of God, trying passionately to do what is best for his country. At this crazy time, please pray for his safety.

This photo was on the Internet on today's Kenyan newspaper online, The Standard. (http://www.eastandard.net/) Pray for Mr. Kivuitu. Pray also that the Lord would bring the right man into the presidency, someone who is right and true and who cares for the well-being of the Kenyan people.

------

The caption reads: ECK chairman, Mr Samuel Kivuitu, who was meeting representatives of political parties at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi, ponders the great task ahead of him.

On the road again...

and, oh, how I CAN wait to get on the road again!! I'm driving back to Midland again today! :-( Not sad to be going back, but dreading the drive. But Dot and Tag are worth it. I couldn't bear to leave them at home that long. And Kris is flying when she comes on Christmas Eve, so....another drive. Please pray for safe travels.

And while you're praying...my new computer is having issues. I lost files. (I know...the flash drive was IN the USB port and I still hadn't saved to it. Yes, my mistake. Very irresponsible. I know.) But, pray that I can take it in and can fix and find everything. And that it won't be costly!!!!!

And while you're still praying...continue to pray for vision as God lays out His plans for me. I am VERY excited about several ministries I can be a part of! My passion for young women is definitely a God-given passion. It has given me new meaning of God giving us the desires of our hearts. I have never been drawn to women's ministry here in the States, but it is captivating my heart and mind for going back to Kenya! Check out these sites if you have a chance. They are ministries through the church I attend in Nairobi. I have been talking with their directors about mentoring and discipleship groups.

Beacon of Hope - www.beaconafrica.org
TULIP - www.tulipnairobi.org

The Shed

I'm so glad to be a part of the Shed! Over the years, it has grown (in many ways), changed, multiplied, split (yes, I know we're not supposed to use that word, but I like it...that's what happens when things grow so big...they expand then split!), and many lives have been touched through the Shed.

At different times over the past six years - YES, I've been in the Shed for 6 years! - I have contemplated changing classes, just for the sake of change. For some reason, I'm always drawn to stay. It's home. It's mine.

I've been reminded over the past few weeks why I love it so and why I'm proud to be a part of the Shed. The Shed touches lives. Many. Unfortunately, we don't always realize how many - and how deeply. I've been touched by the Shed as I have seen how it has touched others. In Rachel Parker's wedding program, she testified of how the Shed, and relationships made through it, have impacted her life. Wendel Short's family voiced the same. What a blessing to see how the class came together in such a difficult time. Not just the fun, easy times - the times it needs to, regardless of circumstances. It pulls together to meet needs, to pray, to encourage, to love, to remind of God's grace and faithfulness. That's what family does. The Shed is a family. And I'm happy to be a part of it.

(FYI...for those of you who don't know...the Shed is my Sunday school class at Houston's First Baptist.)

Proof of a changing Shed...the only group picture I have, from Spring Retreat '04, I think. Wow...now Real Deal, The Life, married, gone...

Too Early to Pack???

I hope not...I've already started! It is beginning to feel real. I packed my first Action Packer (thank you, Aimee Wilson!) last week in Midland. It's full of all the stuff I don't want to buy in Kenya. Things like medicine, hygiene, office supplies. Most everything like that can be found there, but is VERY expensive and not very good. So, I'm going prepared....with things from my favorite toothpaste to favorite pens! :-)

Here's some of what is packed so far...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bibles-gifts for new Christian friends, notepads, Post-Its, Band-Aids, coughdrops, straws (what a luxury!), make-up, toothpaste, contact solution, Bert's Bees, baby powder, shampoo, sewing kit, sharp scissors, Scotch tape...

...and all under 50 lbs!!!!!