Week in Pictures

It's been a busy but uneventful week here at Tenwek. Eric has been working many hours as the hospital is short staffed. He is on call this weekend and next, and many days in between. He doesn't complain, but we sure do miss him not being around as much. But we can't complain either, he comes home for lunch every day and has spent lots of time with the kids in and around his work, their naps and so on.



The kids continue to amaze us. They are making new friends every day...people and animals alike. They are fascinated by the birds, dogs, cats, cows, donkeys, turtles, chickens, you name it. Their favorite, and most unusual, has been the occasional chameleon. They are around and sometimes are unlucky enough to be caught by some kid who keeps them for a few weeks, feeding them flies. Chameleons are so unique and interesting to look at. Nathan wants so badly to hold one, but then gets a little squeamish when it comes time to actually touching it. So we worked out a way for him to hold it without actually coming into contact with it:
(note his favorite cap)

Julia too was impressed with this little guy. She opted for the distant touch.

And their favorite animal, by far, is Emma, the dog. Emma was a rambunctious, hard to control puppy when we left in 2004. She has grown into a mature and loveable dog. The kids love to visit her and Nathan has become very affectionate with her. He is such a good kisser!

We know that the next request will be for us to get a dog once we return home. Don't know how that will fly. But for now, they are enjoying all the dog company they can get.

Time is flying by so quickly, as we've said many times. We are already working hard to fit in all the visits to friends now so that we're not rushed at the end. It's amazing how much more social we are here. We have had more people in for meals and vice versa in this last month than in three months in the U.S. It's not that we're not hospitable in the U.S., it just seems there is less time for it. That is one thing we want to make a priority - more time with family and friends, less time doing other things that don't matter in the long run. It's more easily said than done, I'm sure, but a good goal to work towards.

Those are my deep thoughts tonight. Eric and the kids are out roaming around in the dark. The stars have been unbelievable. What an amazing world we live in.

Jodi

Brighter News
Last week the medical news was on the morbid side, but there are lots of great stories as well. This week we sent home a lot of premature babies that would not have survived long if not here. Right now we have 3 sets of premature boy/girl twins. Of course I have a special liking to them and am having fun watching them grow. Actually, the newest two are just 2 ½ pounds and not breathing very well. So please pray that they will make it through the first tough week.

Ok, so the “Brighter News” stories seem to be shorter than the morbid ones. But the vast majority of kids do well. I can remember 6 kids that died this week, but so many more that went home smiling.

Eric