We spent two weeks in January in Kenya getting some of the guys transitioned into their new schools. It was a hectic time buying all the necessary supplies, meeting with principals and getting them all moved in, but well worth the effort!

Four are now in boarding schools and the other five are in the same day school as before-- 2 in the Secondary School (High School) and 3 in Primary School. They continue to study hard and improve in their grades.

Soudi at his new school, St. Patricks. Soudi is a good runner and a very good student. St. Patricks is known for its strong athletic program and produces some of Kenya's top runners.

Guys studying


Lino in the dorm at his new school. Lino is as tall as Shelah now!


Tabaan

Former Olympic gold medalist, Kip Keino, who has been allowing the 9 guys to live at his place the past 3 years, celebrates his 70th birthday with us and other friends.

We took a GREAT family vacation visiting good friends in the Indian Ocean Islands at the end of our time in Kenya

With our friends who live and work in the Indian Ocean Islands

Anna-Grace conemplating life on a beautiful island. Can we move here?

I really like it here!!

We really like it here too...however, all vacations must eventually come to an end!

So....we are now back in Senegal...not quite like the Indian Ocean Islands!!!

While in the Indian Ocean Islands we witnessed a Hindu Festival that was taking place. During the festival men and women pierce their bodies with sharp hooks and other objects in dedication to their gods.

Carrying their family idol, barefoot on hot pavement, for several miles

The drummers and many of those in the procession were in a trance

Some of them carried the idols on their heads while others attached chains to their bodies with hooks and pulled the idols on wheels. Watching this festival was shocking and sad. It brought home to us the meaning of God's grace---the fact that Jesus has paid for the sins of humanity, that He was "pierced for our transgressions," and we can't do anything to "earn" God's favor. His grace is sufficient.

Anna-Grace at Senegal's version of Six Flags!

Here she is with her buddy Dillon (our neighbor's son)

Having a great time!!!