18 July 2010
I just got back last night from a place called Turtle Bay in Kijabi, Kenya. We had our annual conference for the organization I'm here with, and one of the highlights was getting to share a bit about what has been happening in our lives the past year. One of the ways we got to do this was by making a poster that included our highlights from the past year, and prayer requests. I thought you, too, might be interested in seeing what God has been up to the past year as well! Here's the poster.
One of the other ways we got to share was that we each got 5 or 7 minutes, depending on if you are a single or a double :), to share highlights, what God has been teaching you, struggles, and prayer requests. This was an amazing way to connect with people we've not gotten to know very well due to location... and to connect with peoples lives throughout Tanzania and Uganda who are in very different situations than we are!
The conference this year was also special, as it was officially the Tenth Anniversary of the formation of the Uganda-Tanzania Branch of the organization I'm here with. We did a lot of "remembering" and looking back at all that God has done over the past ten years - going from a total of three families meeting together at someone's house, to having 78 voting members at the conference this year... and with all the added family members, we added up to 120 people! We've grown, handed over a lot of responsibilities to Tanzanians and Ugandans, and are continually changing in the face of a changing world and a changing perspective of what it means to do Bible Translation in this place we call "home!"
some of the decor around the room where we met
and some more :)
It was awesome to meet up with old friends I haven't seen for a while... and to make a few new ones along the way!!
one of the many weaver birds that inhabits the place. Aren't they beautiful?
Steve DeYoung, Uncle Gary, Matt Walter, mom and dad, and bird watchers everywhere... this one's for you! :)
Wish I could've gone! So glad you enjoyed it... did SIL have their annual water polo game, singles vs married ??
ReplyDeleteIndegi-boy promised to look up the weaver to see if he could be more specific for you on the type of weaver bird. Glad to hear that you are doing well. Hugs...and please check my Kiswahili spelling for me!
ReplyDeleteMDY - Turns out you don't need a vowel for most intro syllables. The spelling would be ndegi! I'm anxious to find out specifics on the bird, if SDY can get on that...
ReplyDeleteCarley - the boys tried to take over this year! No singles vs. marrieds because, of course, there were no single guys :) But the next day the girls rebelled and had our own polo match. We split by locations where we live instead of marital status... but I think we need to rethink ages and height levels next time, too! It was a blast for sure! :)