Happy Thanksgiving from Kenya!

We hope you are having wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. We wanted to share with you a portion of what we are thankful for so far away. God has been so faithful to bring us to Africa. We love partnering with others who care for the vast number of orphans and widows around us. Leaving Rafiki has been difficult, but God has showed us favor as we venture out to remain here. He has led us to a home close to our children's school that has room for visitors (HINT) We have a tree outside our window with over 30 weaver bird nests and birds that chirp each morning, reminding us that our God who takes care of the birds will take care of us. We inherited two dogs that keep us safe and are great playmates for John. God has kept us safe in our travels and free from major illness. God has increased our children's capacity to adapt in a world full of challenges. Anna has had a terrific basketball season. She led the team to an undefeated season, 3 tournament wins and league champions. Claire and John played intramurals and are making new friends. We camped in a wildlife reserve where Melody narrowly escaped being trapped in the car with a baboon. We hosted Jami Jo Braner in our home and helped her finalize adoption for precious Gabby. We received our work permit that will allow us to begin shipping our items from home.We have been warmly welcomed and embraced by Kenyans and others living in this country. We will spend Thanksgiving with new friends. But at this time, we can't help but miss our special friends back home. We count you as a big blessing.

You have encouraged us as we departed for Kenya and continue as we remain to do God's work. We are grateful for our friendship. Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

You are loved, Lewis and Melody Anna, Claire and John

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27