Sometimes I forget we live in Africa. Transplanted from Southwest Colorado to
Kisumu, Kenya over 4 years ago, life here is our current “normal.” Monkeys, enormous
lizards and green mambas visit our compound regularly, and I’m not
surprised. Extreme poverty exists just
outside our gate, and we found ways to truly help without feeling disturbing
sadness. We clean water regularly, smile through police check points, sleep under
mosquito nets, spend large amounts of time behind locked security fences,
communicate in broken Swahili, embrace victimized mamas and vulnerable children. That’s our average day. Then there are moments I recall living in USA
as if it were just yesterday... I want to drive on the other side of the road,
drink a glass of tap water, devour delicious Italian food and escape the intense
destitution surrounding me…
We are “inbetween” two worlds, both vastly different but
each being a huge part of us.
Sometimes I imagine what it would be like to join them
together - San Juan Mountains saddled up against Lake Victoria; barbecued elk with
a side of ugali under swaying palms by a clear cold creek; feathery snow
covering the hot, dusty Kondele slum in crystal white; friends and family of
various shades, from different cultures enjoying sincere fellowship. Guess I’m imagining heaven… well, minus the
ugali!
One of the biggest challenges of living “inbetween” is not
the peculiar foods, new languages, diverse perspectives, or risky environment, but
communicating experiences among our host country and passport country. With
valid reasons, each side cannot sincerely understand our lives; some pieces
will stay “just ours” regardless of how hard we try to interact.
When isolation engulfs me in toilsome
conditions, I’m reminded of Jesus as He prepared to go to the cross. How many
times did He tell His disciples about the journey of suffering that lay ahead? How could they really understand? His words filtered through their personal thoughts and ambitions. None understood till much later, after their “eyes were opened.” Although my
trials don’t compare, I sense a longing to bond with friends when aching fills
the soul.
We all go through deep difficulties that feel impossible to
share. Everyone everywhere nurses those challenging paths that are “just theirs.”
No amount of reaching out can bring others in, except One – the One who endured
all. He offers help through it all. Walking with Jesus across unavoidable
deserts, desolate of relief, can create pools for intimate healing. His presence brings sweet redemption, complete
restoration. It’s a journey where Jesus belongs. He transforms loneliness to
hope. He fills the "inbetween."
To our dear friends, family, prayer partners and supporters, we
remain grateful for your time spent reading our updates, your listening ear
tuned to Holy Spirit’s promptings, your generous hearts to remember us. May the Lord bless your kindness. As we live “inbetween,” it’s good to know we
belong to a collection of people who might not fully understand our life
overseas, but encourage us to pursue it.
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| Think our monkey friend wants to play on the slide. |
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| This big colorful guy hangs out in our yard. | . |
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| This African eagle make a nest in our mango tree. |
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| Kitty left the green mamba without a head at our door. |
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| Nyalenda slum down the road from us. |
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No more street eating.
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Home in the slum.
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| A impromptu futbal game with locals. |
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| A favorite place to just be still. |
Prayer requests:
1. That our new adoption court date - Nov. 5 - will bring
victorious finalization.
2. Adoption paperwork
would process quickly and travel documents will appear without unnecessary
complications.
3. Ministry will
transfer to the Resource Center smoothly.
4. The mamas will continue
to grow spiritually, prosper in businesses and share testimonies in their
communities.
5. That orphaned and
abandoned children will receive good care and adoption will resume in Kenya.
6. Safety, provision and wisdom for our family.
Asante sana for your prayers, support and encouragement.
hugs from the haugers Ooo0o