Wednesday 13 FEB

It is now 8PM Wednesday night, I'm back at the apartment after a very full day, and since the internet connection seems to be working I'll take advantage of the ability to do another blog.

I don’t even have time to think about civil unrest here. No one talks about anything that happens in the day…and basically nothing is happening. Everyone seems to have their fingers crossed for Kaufi Annan’s peace plans…if that doesn’t happen, all are very concerned.

With the hours we have been keeping, including the staff, stewardship based bible studies have not happened so far. And they may not happen at all. JP wants me to be sure and do aleast one before I leave, so we’ll see how timing works out for that.

JP is insisting that I spend Feb 28-March 5 with him, his boss Stephan, and Sammy Mah, who will be touring Burundi, Rwanda, and Congo. That means 3 more days, but it could be significant experience. Pray for clarity on deciding if I should or not.

Physically, I’m doing just fine. Spiritually, I’ve been so blessed that if Judy were to join me I might not ever come home!! Make that if 6 grandkids plus the 2 on the way were to join me with Judy. Oops, make that my entire family!

Oh, I have a cell phone: 0712312712...easy to remember. My updates and emails are sporactic at best…either due to time, or more likely, lack of functionality of connections to internet.

Today started with a 3 hour meeting at Navigators conference center here in Nairobi; it was a meeting of the Hope for Kenya Forum, a group of 10-12 mission agencies assembled for the purpose of initiating healing and reconciliation for the senior pastors in and around Nairobi. Hard to think that is necessary, but tribalism is 10x stronger than political parties here or in the US for that matter. We are trying to get 50-60 together at a retreat center next Monday and Tuesday for this process. JP will play a major role in that, trying to keep it in focus with the NAC also. I have been writing speech drafts for him for several events coming up. Getting up to speed with all the players has happened faster for me than I thought it would.

I have been invited to attend the wedding for Pastor John Gichinga's son this coming Saturday about 3 hours away from Nairobi. It would be a great experience, and I am honored to be invited by him. It depends on how we are doing on the proposal--JP and I may have to spend several hours over the weekend to put final touches to it. Pastor John and I have developed a great relationship; it is a real honor to be invited to such a family event.

IDPs continue to be returned, but there are still probably 150-200 thousand still in camps. Food is getting there routinely. Major problem now is gender violence within the very large camps...pray for that.

Can't close without thanking you for your prayers. Twelve hour days are keeping me energized and feeling productive. Also, I can't close without a couple more pictures from the Park...just incredible.

This is at sunrise...just entering the park.











My favorite, the cubs

The brown zebra is a baby...color changes as it gets older!












Feel free to email with any questions you have: danp301@pacbell.net I'll respond as soon as possible!

Again, these are great people...love the Lord. I met Dorcas the WR office on my first day; she keeps the kitchen and refreshments available; and she now brings me great coffee at 10 and 3 on the nose...what a wonderful lady-sheis bubbling over with joy and love for all; I'm Mr. Dan to her. Today she told me she was "very encouraged to 'get out of the boat' on faith" from my devotion Monday morning.

Blessings to all.