I appologize that it's been a while since I've updated this blog last. I have to say I greatly appreciate all of you that read this blog. It is quite an encouragement to me to know that there are people interested in what I'm, or the Lord rather, is doing here. It has been quite an eventful trip so far and the last couple of weeks have not been much different. I think I'll start in reverse order because that's what's most pressing on my mind.
MARK IS GONE! Here is a picture of the four of us (soon to be three) giving Mark a "push" as they say in Swahili, down the alley behind AMCC. NOTE: A "push" is like a farewell escort. This guy was just sleepin, or passed out maybe. He looked so peacful we didn't want to disturb him.


Right before he left he gave all the kids hugs. This one is Paulo, the youngest, and dare I say Mark's favorite kid. They were all sad to see him go.


This next picture was a good-bye pic that I believe is one of the best pictures I've taken. Here's why:

1. I'm not sure what John is doing with his hands but it kinda looks like Will Ferral in the SNL cheerleader skit. (Not to mention Faith, on the far right doing what looks like some sort of Martial Art or Thai Chi)
2. Now turn your eyes to Paulo's face in the front row. I can't tell if he's filled with utter joy or bitter mourning. Either way he's givin us a good view of those pearly whites.
3. Stephen in the middle looks like he's on the front lines of an epic battle, letting out his furious war cry.
4. No doubt, Nancy the teacher is giving us the "Black Power" symbol and pose (eyes closed and head tilted slightly down).
5. I seem to have caught Mark, who said I should detroy the picture, in a very rare Pee-Wee Herman laughing pose.
6. And lastly, Bart Simpson mysteriously showed up seemingly out of nowhere. (Can you find him?)

A few days before Mark left, Alice (seen in this picture) was sent home with her grandmother and father (background). This is a sad story. Alice is the child that was tied to a tree and set on fire by her parents about 3 years ago. The Asst. Chief of our village, along with a few others rescued her and she was admitted to AMCC. Ever since Alice has been at AMCC, she has been a bit of a trouble-maker. She lies and steels often, and the other day she ran away. Surely she is disurbed by her childhood and is a victim of her parents' brutal actions. Due to the decision of the Assit. Chief and because of the liability she is to AMCC, we have officially handed her over to her grandmother and her father. Please pray that the Lord would do a work in her life and bring her out of the misery she's in.


On another note, we went back to look at the chickens that we saw 6 weeks ago when they were a day old. After looking into it, (the chicken business that is) I really like the idea. We're still working on the avacodoes (more about that later) but it can be a tricky business. Raising and selling chickens on the other hand seem to be more solid. There's a sure market, a lady with experince who has promised to train our workers, and chicken's don't steal money from you. The only problem that we seems to have is finances, about $12,000...yet. ;)


The whole week, John has been traveling from farm to farm harvesting avacodoes. We've harvested three huge truckloads and made a profit of about 3000Ksh ($36.00) on each. This has allowed AMCC to buy their first half bag of beans on their own!! It may not seem like much but this is monumental! John has gone to work for AMCC, maid some money, and bought food! It's 100% progress!



However, as I said before, it can be a bit tricky. In this picture you'll see a man in hadcuffs. (Look closley) John took the picture after this man was found at a bar. He was one of workers who had stolen 6000Ksh from us and dissapeared. John made a bunch of phone calls and alerted the authorities. John's dad, who is also a pastor, found him in a bar not far off with 1000Ksh in his pocket. The man was arrested and has been instructed to pay us the remaining 5000Ksh today. So finding good people is a bit difficult and John is learning a thing or two about the avacodo business. We'll know by the end of this week whether it is really something we want to invest more in.

That about sums up the time I've had since I wrote last. I'm sad to see Mark leave but both of us have a few things to look forward to. God is still doing a work in each of our lives, Mark is going to Zambia to work alongside his girlfriend after being in different places for 3 years, and Maggie will be here two weeks from today!

The last picture is of a couple of girls making good use of what has been sent in the care-packages from some of you in the U.S.. Rachel and Agnes are sporting the very healthy dust masks, safety goggles, and oven mits to protect themselves from the wrath of cooking ugali. The smoke in the kitchen gets out of control due to the poor ventalation of the kitchen. I've got lots of respect for these girls.

Please remember AMCC in your prayers!

With love and in Christ,

Nick