News from Kenya

Just got off the phone with Mom and Dad and they sound very well.  The big excitement was the rather large lizard they just chased out of their cabin (any of you who know Mom knows that she has an extreme fear of snakes and lizards).  She is getting used to the many small lizards that roam the grounds, but apparently this one was way beyond her comfort zone!  The weather is getting hotter, but they are heading into what they call their short rains and should cool some then.

The children seem to be extremely appreciative of the opportunities to learn music, "it is something I can carry with me and teach others forever," Mom's keyboard student told her yesterday.  Only one of the 760 students on campus was chosen to learn the keyboard and she says he is willing to miss meals to continue his lessons!  Dad has two guitar students currently and starts group whistle lessons next week.  Mom has been able to work with their "Mission Choir" which travels around Europe performing.  She is teaching them "America the Beautiful" and, of course, some of our spirituals.  Guess we forget that the spirituals originated here, after the slaves were brought away from Africa!  It is fascinating to see how many other subjects can be taught through music!  Besides the history lessons, they have also been able to tie into the English classes, which are currently studying oral literature.  They are teaching the students about our Tall Tales right now.  The students are all so eager to learn anything they can!   Amazingly, with 760 students on campus, 75% are able to pass the test required to continue on to University!  What a blessing to see how the dreams and  motivation of one man has affected such a large population!

Apparently Africans are on a rather leisurely schedule, no one seems in any hurry to get the modem to Mom and Dad and now find out that they are on a waiting list to receive it!   So, in the meantime you are going to continue to hear from them through me!  They promise to call every 2-3 days so I will post as soon as I hear from them again!  Thanks for your patience with this endeavor!