Tuesday, April 8, 2008

First Week in Tenwek


Wow, so much has happened in the last week. We have gotten our email established now so we may be able to post updates more often. We flew in to where the hospital is located in beautiful Bomet. We were greeted on the gravel/grass runway by a large group of local Kenyans. They really liked to see their picture in the amazing digital camera. The pilot said we were fortunate because normally there are cows grazing on the runway. Eventually someone came to pick us up and take us to the hospital. Our apartment in the guest house is very nice and the boys are sleeping somewhat better. They gave me a short hospital orientation that afternoon and the next day I was placed in charge of the medical ward which was an amazing and overwhelming expierence. They gave me 3 Kenyan interns that I was to be over. They are wonderful and probably teach me more than I teach them. I was also on call that first day. I realized right away how difficult it is to work in this environment. Patients die every day and my first night we actually had 3 babies that passed away. Honestly, those first few days I told Vanessa I am not sure I even want to do medical missions anymore. There are so many needs and often so few resources. Ultimately, I was reminded that what they really need is the Lord and for someone to tell them about him.

Vanessa and the boys are adjusting well to Kenyan life. They take walks everyday and find new people to talk and play with. Of course, Hudson never meets a stranger and everyone loves to pet Jude's little head. Vanessa has really enjoyed visiting with the local missionary wives and seeing what it's like to raise kids in this environment. I started working in the newborn nursery today and have found some baby's that are in need of some extra love and care so she will be helping out in that way and others such as helping teach Sunday school to about 50 Kenyan kids at the local church.

My parents did arrive safely and are enjoying their time very much. I sent dad today to work with the chaplains at the hospital and he fit right in, shared Bible verses and the gospel and at least 1 man prayed to receive Christ. I know he and mom will have a tremendous ministry here.

Well, I better wrap it up for now. Please pray for us, especially over the next couple of weeks as we found out when we got here that this was the month that pretty much all the missionaries are taking their annual retreat and myself, 3 other visiting physicians and the Kenyan interns will be manning the hospital. He is faithful. God bless.

17 comments:

Unknown said...

Hey Jones Family! I love keeping up with you on your blog. We think of you and pray for you daily! God bless you!

Anonymous said...

The pics are awesome. We wanted to support you guys. Can we still send in a check though you raised your funds. Love you guys, Shannon

Anonymous said...

We know God is doing awesome things for you and through you in Africa. We are praying for you all and hope you continue to see God's amazing work - daily. David, Rebekah and Ava

Adam, Natasha, Avi Joy, Nehemiah and Karrington said...

Hey Jones Family

Avi Joy has been so in touch with the Holy Spirit this week.
Two times out of no where she said Hudson, mommy... HUDSON!
So I asked her if we should pray for Hudson and she said yes.

Then this morning (Wed 9th) she said mama, Hudson and baby Jude, baby JUDE!!!
I said ok, do you want to pray for Hudson and baby Jude? YES!

So, even if I skip a day praying for you guys, my daughter surely does not : ) Oh God is SO Good.

Stay Strong in the Lord Kyle...
Nehemiah 8:10
"Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

Blessings you-wild-missionary-friends
Natasha

Stacy said...

Hello Jones family. It looks like you all are having an amazing experience in Kenya so far and working hard as well. I will be saying so prayers for you all for sure!!

Anonymous said...

Hey Kyle and Family, Your smiles are a blessing to me even when you're away! Keep it up! We're lifting you up in prayer. Blog away... Love, Marci from Good Sam

Unknown said...

Kyle, you certainly must be their greatest resource in this moment-a smart guy with a big heart. Vanessa, I hope you have a GREAT birthday!! Hug Hudson and hold sleeping (hopefully) Jude for me!

Anonymous said...

Wow. What a crazy time! I can see how it would be easy to get discouraged in that kind of environment. I pray God will encourage you both and that you will see the fruit of your labor while you're there. Kiss those boys for me.

missy said...

Hey guys, we are so happy to see your new pictures! Zachary and Nicholas, wanted to say hi, and they love you and miss you very much, as do I. Kyle keep your chin up, you are such an inspiration to everyone and what you all are doing is so unbelievably important and needed. We need more people in this world like you guys! We will be praying for all of you! Vanessa, Happy Birthday! I miss you and can't wait to see you again
I love you and I will be thinking of you on your b-day. Love, Missy

Anonymous said...

You guys are surely experiencing a lot of humanity! Kyle, I can only imagine that it would be sad to watch people die every day, especially babies. I went to a funeral today for the husband of one of my customers. They live in Depew. He was 69 and sucmed to liver cancer. I know the family was comforted as he was one of Jesus's chosen and they had sooo many family there, they filled the little church. I went to Dr Chalkin today and my finger is completely well! He said I was very lucky but I know otherwise. Pooh I sure hope you have a nice birthday. Been thinking and praying for all fo you everyday. Love Mom

Anonymous said...

Hello Vanessa, Kyle & Kids, HAPPY BIRTHDAY Vanessa! It appears from what I'm reading and from the pictures I'm seeing that you guys are really doing some good for the people there. You know at times I tend to get selfish and would still like to have you all home. Please be aware of what's going on around you at all times and come home safley. I love and miss you all very much! Dad/Steve/Grandpa

Anonymous said...

Happy Bday Van!!! Loving the pictures & reading how things are going. thanks for keeping us updated on what ya'll are up to. I pray God will use you in a mighty way and that He will give you both His wisdom & strength. Hope to see you in Tulsa this July...
Mary Lynne

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Vanessa!!!
Thinking of you today and hope your day is special.

Wow, what incredible pictures (it's like out of a movie)! It's real though and you guys are really at work serving the Lord. May the Lord be with you each and every step of the way. Be encouraged, He is at work, small steps, big steps, some steps unseen.
Love ya,
Amy Voss

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday Vanessa! I have been thinking about you guys and praying for you. Specifically I have been thinking of you today on your birthday- what an amazing blessing to be a woman who uses the time God gave her on this earth to do His will. It gives even more reason to celebrate all the years of your life. Years dedicated to the service of God. You are an amazing encouragement and a most dear friend. You and your family are close to my heart. Love you,
Holly

Anonymous said...

Thought about you all of and on all day yesterday. Tell lots of people about you and your mission trip. Lots of people I really do not know and I know you don't, are praying for you. Give yourselves a hug from me and kisses for the boys. Love, Mom

Adam, Natasha, Avi Joy, Nehemiah and Karrington said...

Hello Birthday Girl,

Not everyone can spend their birthday in Africa!
Blessings to you my sweet friend. Cannot wait until you get back to give you your present... lets just say it involves Sam.
Think on that and I will have your big present for you when you return home.
XOXOX
Natasha

Anonymous said...

Just want you to know you are missed and loved :)
praying for you.
much love,
val