tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40350346551950515402011-11-12T14:58:48.282-08:00HOPE x 3: Helping Orphans Prosper Educationally, Emotionally, EternallyAmy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.comBlogger371100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-16771102072137559152011-10-10T14:06:00.001-07:002011-10-10T14:06:30.606-07:00

Let me first apologize for being so out of touch the past few months.  It has been a bit rough for us as we passed our one year anniversary of having left home at the end of August.  We have since been in a place of realizing what life as a foreign missionary is really like, after all the novelty and excitement wears off.  We are at a point of evaluating what we've been able to accomplish in the

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-42355515207362289692011-06-13T02:20:00.000-07:002011-06-13T02:20:07.050-07:00

Penned June 6, 2011, Monday, 8:00 pmSounds like a headline out of the National Inquirer, but alas...no.  Welcome to my world.  6 days ago I noticed multiple “bug bites” around my torso.  They were itchy and in an odd location, but I didn’t pay them much attention as we were in the middle of moving to our new house.  However, over the next 4 days, more appeared and they gradually grew in size and

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-52333775941173331812011-06-02T00:05:00.000-07:002011-06-02T00:05:04.956-07:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that God has a plan, and when we wait on His plans, we will find that they are much better than our own!  Two months ago, we had started looking for a new house, not sure how long it would take to find one that would suit us.  At the time, we only knew of 3 houses available in our area, so out of the three we picked the best one that we could afford.  It was the

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-16561193596715948842011-05-31T08:27:00.001-07:002011-05-31T08:27:09.015-07:00

I am finding it hard to write this blog, because it means reliving the past few weeks in my head.  Honestly, I’d much rather forget them.  I prefer to write about the positive experiences we are having here.  For example, in April when the schools were on break, Ellie, Mei, and I hosted three special events for the girls at our Children’s Home.  As we made Easter cupcakes, we discussed the

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-19088087380922782012011-03-29T03:50:00.001-07:002011-03-29T03:50:29.114-07:00

Shortly after we arrived in Kitale, I began reviewing files of the children at the home to better understand their histories and circumstances.  One day, as I was reviewing files, I noticed one of our girls was having a birthday that very day.   A few files later, I realized another of our girls had had a birthday the day earlier.  I pulled each of the girls aside to wish them a Happy Birthday,

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-73667898131191355952011-02-14T22:47:00.000-08:002011-02-14T23:03:56.734-08:00

Sometimes there are so many things on my mind and in my heart that I don’t know how to organize them in order to share them, hence the reason I haven’t blogged in quite some time.    We’ve been in Kitale for two months now, and are continually learning of greater needs here among the people of Kitale.  I’m planning to share a series of stories over the next month about life on this side of the

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-85201104065477160332010-12-17T10:07:00.001-08:002010-12-17T10:07:24.489-08:00

So much has happened since our last post, it’s hard to know where to start.  We finished our last few weeks at YWAM with some excellent teachings, learning about the Father heart of God; His plan and purpose for each of us; the cost of choosing to follow Jesus; and making Him known to others through service and love.   When we signed up to train with YWAM, we had no idea that we would form such

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-66685482400849271802010-11-08T07:31:00.000-08:002010-11-08T07:31:21.279-08:00

God Provides.  Early last week, I had a feeling this was going to be my personal theme for the week.  But even as I wrote these words in my journal, I had no idea how He was going to reveal Himself in this way just a few days later.Jason’s 40th birthday was last Saturday, November 6.  Before we left the United States, we had made the decision to take some money out of savings so we could have a

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-52972816748667003522010-11-02T10:48:00.000-07:002010-11-02T10:48:20.332-07:00

The last two weeks of classes have been tougher than trying to masticate and choke down the hunks of gristly, fatty beef served every Tuesday and Friday for lunch in the pilau.  We’ve experienced the kind of tough that makes us question our core beliefs and grieve our now wavering confidence in absolute truth.  I’m still processing the difficult ideas we’ve discussed in class, and am not sure

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-77414397099846894742010-10-09T05:07:00.000-07:002010-10-09T05:07:21.381-07:00

Last night we received an email from Jason’s parents which began:Dear Jason and Amy,This song was on my heart when I woke this morning after being at the hospital with Grandpa Mel last night: Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, Sing His mercy and His grace! In the mansions bright and blessed, He’s prepared for me, a place. When we all get to heaven, What a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-68287136752723710572010-10-03T05:16:00.001-07:002010-10-03T05:16:42.918-07:00

Yesterday was Ellie’s 11th birthday.  For those of you who don’t know Ellie, it will help you understand the significance of this story to know that Ellie has always been a very typical Middle-Class American child.  Beyond having always enjoyed a comfortable life, and never having been in need of anything, Ellie has historically been very attached to all her “stuff”.  She has, in the past,

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-19557960989711120382010-09-28T09:17:00.000-07:002010-09-28T09:17:30.714-07:00

Last Sunday afternoon, an African man came to our house with a “gift”.  He  brought us a Marsh Owl (still alive!) that had flown into his porch light the night before and gotten disoriented.  He described it flopping around, like it was blind, on his porch.  He went on to say that he had hit the owl in the head multiple times with a stick....which we didn’t understand.  We couldn’t quite figure

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-3605393815907315522010-09-21T10:32:00.000-07:002010-09-21T11:36:32.415-07:00

 My little house on the YWAM Arusha base, where we can retreat, invite friends, and build relationships. That when I turn on the faucet, water USUALLY comes out. That when I turn on the light-switch, the lights USUALLY come on. That my toilet has a seat. That we have a propane stove to heat water for dishes and bathing. That our new friend, Upendo, has become our guardian angel, bringing us

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-91029733366811430342010-09-13T07:28:00.001-07:002010-09-13T07:28:47.878-07:00

It’s amazing that with two college degrees, I still have so much to learn from my Brothers and Sisters in a developing country, many of whom may not have even finished primary school.  For example, bean sorting.  What exactly constitutes a “bad bean”?  Clearly, the ones with worm holes or black mold are bad.   But what about the broken beans, split beans, or just plain wrinkly or discolored beans

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-70420890736341396952010-09-10T07:36:00.001-07:002010-09-10T07:36:45.266-07:00

If you want to begin to understand our Brothers and Sisters around the world, I suggest you start with a bucket and some laundry soap.  I am presenting a challenge to each of you, which I hope you will take seriously.  I would love to hear comments about what you learn during this experience.    First, wait until afternoon, when the sun is still high and there is little shade.  Then pile up, on

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-13427882735203317972010-09-08T03:44:00.000-07:002010-09-08T03:44:23.398-07:00

6:00 - 7:00 a.m.:   Awake to the alarm clock, as we are now able to sleep through all the roosters, ibises, dogs, and crickets.  Immediately turn on the kettle to heat water for sponge baths and breakfast dishes.  Bathe, get dressed, and pack up breakfast gear.7:00 - 7:30 a.m.  Walk to dining hall for breakfast, which is usually chai tea and white bread.  The bread is freshest at the beginning

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-85202751694485916592010-09-03T04:35:00.001-07:002010-09-03T04:35:53.487-07:00

Jambo!  We arrived safely in Arusha, Tanzania on Wednesday, Sept. 1 with just a few snafus along the way.  The first was a bit more than a “snafu”, but did not thwart God’s plan for our departure.  On Monday, about 4 hours before we were supposed to be at the airport, Mei fell and split the back of her head open.  Jason and Grandma Marmie took her to the ER at Highline Hospital, and with everyone

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-82912731822144966302010-08-10T22:18:00.000-07:002010-08-10T22:19:17.879-07:00

I have to be honest that I have been dragging my feet about writing this post.  On the one hand, I'm thrilled to share how God has been working His miracles to bring everything together quickly for our imminent departure. On the other hand, for me to share with you exactly how He has been working will require a confession on my part...a confession I am frankly embarrassed to make. In early July

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-61224908299547576542010-07-06T19:01:00.000-07:002010-07-06T19:30:18.170-07:00

We have been in Dallas, Texas for two weeks, doing some missionary training with Pioneer Bible Translators.  In Bush Mechanics, we learned how to properly sanitize a daily water supply, build a home with a composting toilet, and harness the sun's energy to cook food without electricity or fuel.  In our Primary Health Care course, we learned that because we were born and educated in America, the

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-12339402576291470642010-06-20T16:53:00.000-07:002010-06-20T20:13:17.620-07:00

Our family has finally started feeling some of the sacrifice that comes with obedience.  In the past week we have found new homes for our chickens, Ethan's pet snake, and our dog, Bear. There have been many emotions running through our household. Yesterday, as I snuggled with Bear for the last time before handing him over to his new family (see photo), I took comfort in the following verses: "

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-24673150888251008172010-05-23T15:04:00.000-07:002010-05-24T19:46:46.901-07:00

No, we are not having second thoughts about moving to Kenya.  On the contrary, in the past week we have had our socks blessed right off, leaving us with chilly toes, as God continues to orchestrate logistics on our behalf!  Our ANSWERED prayers for this week include: finding a renter for our house while we are gone; finding an orthodontist in Kenya who can take care of Ellie's teeth; finding the

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-18987732533768548622010-04-22T10:17:00.000-07:002010-04-22T19:21:26.903-07:00

I once heard a missionary ask, "Where is the FUN in fundraising?"  I laughed, but now I really get it.  It is absolutely the hardest thing we have ever had to do in our married life.  The idea of moving our family to Kenya was pretty difficult to swallow in the beginning.  But we have had so many unmistakeable messages from God that this is His plan for us, that eventually His peace that

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-31506732252744813232010-04-03T17:27:00.000-07:002010-04-03T17:27:33.389-07:00

A most sincere thank you to all of you who commented on my last post.  Your sweet thoughts have been extremely encouraging.  Sadly, however, my name was not on the list of scholarship winners that were posted early Friday morning.  I had no idea going into this how disappointed I'd be if I didn't win the scholarship.  It's probably a good thing I didn't think that far head, or the fear of failure

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-1057763926598669242010-03-25T09:49:00.000-07:002010-03-25T09:53:51.641-07:00

So, I’ve been helping Ethan study for the Regional Spelling Bee coming up this weekend. We’ve come across some interesting words made up of various Latin roots, particularly on the phobia list. I am happy to report that I am not omphalophobic (afraid of belly buttons); nor am I arachibutyrophobic (afraid of peanut butter sticking to the roof of my mouth). I could not quite find the right word to

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-18864213658970561142010-03-22T14:30:00.000-07:002010-03-31T10:35:40.851-07:00

Wow.  It all started with a dream Amy had back in October.  She dreamt that Paul Colman was going to come and do a benefit concert to raise money for our future work in Kenya.  Jason laughed when she told him.  Almost as though his laugh was daring her, she decided, "I'm going to email Paul."  She ended up emailing his agent (seeing that Paul's email address is not public) and was stunned when

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-42580898060322463782010-02-04T21:17:00.000-08:002010-02-26T12:46:19.130-08:00

God is amazing! Well, we already knew that, but He continually amazes us more and more. Plans for our benefit concert are underway! Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 20 at 7:00 p.m. at Calvary Fellowship in Mountlake Terrace. SCOTT KRIPPAYNE, a local Christian singer/songwriter, will be leading us into our evening of worship and fellowship.  Scott's song "What Faith Can Do", performed by

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-83231729292241166952009-12-28T19:16:00.000-08:002010-02-26T12:45:13.912-08:00

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!! Much has happened since our last post. We have definately noticed that God seems to open one door at a time. We cannot see the whole path in front of us, nor the entirety of where He will eventually lead; but He gives us enough confirmation and information to take each next step. Here are the highlights from the past few months: Northwest Church has agreed

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-22776872998107976902009-09-27T19:09:00.001-07:002010-03-25T09:39:41.773-07:00

We have been having so much fun watching the unique ways God has been working around us and for us as we prepare for our new life as missionaries in Kitale. Our most recent blessing came in the form of just plain ole' FUN!! Third Day has been Amy's favorite band for a long time. (For those of you who haven't figured it out yet, this is where the email address "Mac Blaster" stems from, as their

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-11889368631061752162009-09-20T21:54:00.000-07:002010-02-26T12:42:47.828-08:00

Amy doesn't usually sleep well. As soon as she lays down, her body shuts off, but her brain keeps going. Sometimes this can be the source of much frustration, as she tries to sleep, but can't stop planning, organizing, worrying, thinking. But other times, the quiet darkness brings inspiration. It's not uncommon for her to wake up with an unusual or creative idea. We sometimes have to ask

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-30957635194307828372009-08-30T23:03:00.000-07:002010-02-26T12:41:45.244-08:00

I have just finished picking my jaw up from my lap and reattaching it to my face. Let me back up... Last night's Harambe was awesome. The church was transformed, by my marvelous decorating committee, into a beautiful display of Kenyan art and beautiful faces (Thank you Heather, Diane, and Becky!). The food was hand-prepared by wonderful Kenyan friends (Thank you Violet and Company!). The

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-15920255055381078022009-07-31T09:05:00.000-07:002010-02-26T12:40:16.928-08:00

I don't want to go one more day...without Your all-consuming passion inside of me. I don't want to spend my whole life asking, "What if I had given everything...instead of going through the motions?" -Matthew WestAfter much prayer and communication with Shawn and Linda Tyler, we feel that God is calling us to work at the Kitale Church of Christ Children's Home and Bahati Primary School in Kitale,

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-45061892464659841212009-07-06T23:36:00.000-07:002010-02-26T12:39:03.194-08:00

Jason called from Kitale, Kenya this morning, more excited and emotional than I've perhaps ever heard him. He started with, "What a day!" He went on to tell me about his meeting with Shawn Tyler, a missionary who started an orphanage/school in Kitale a number of years ago. Shawn is currently living in Mbale, Uganda, about two hours away from Kitale. He travels to Kitale once a month to check on

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-16017214548705416592009-06-15T23:44:00.000-07:002010-02-26T12:37:57.479-08:00

It's hard to believe that Jason leaves two weeks from tomorrow (July 1) for Kenya again. (It's even harder to believe he's going without me!) There are so many areas we need to cover in prayer, we are soliciting as many prayers as any of you are willing and able to offer up on our behalf. Specific needs: safe and healthy travel for all the Washingtonians and Texans going on this adventure; that

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-55046075544684836382009-05-11T10:38:00.000-07:002010-02-26T12:36:03.110-08:00

Jason and I spent a good portion of the weekend at a conference at Seattle Pacific University on Microfinance. Microfinance is one way to enable poor people in developing countries to start lifting themselves out of poverty, by providing small, short-term loans that they can use to begin building an income-generating business. When the loan is repayed, it is either returned to the lender, or

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-63225868672287357992009-04-28T22:46:00.000-07:002010-02-26T12:34:24.773-08:00

Whew! When you decide to seek God's will for your life--be prepared!! The Bible isn't joking when it warns, "Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him and be strong in your faith." (I Peter 5:8-9). It seems that ever since saying, "Yes!" to God, Jason and I have been

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-42304608341386130432009-04-05T21:40:00.000-07:002010-02-26T12:31:35.576-08:00

When one embarks on a prayer vigil about a decision of such magnitude, many questions, doubts, and fears come to mind. The most recent one for us has been questioning, "What in the world could God possibly use us for, that would warrant the financial outpouring necessary to send our family to Kenya??" It is extremely humbling to feel called by God to do something that you know is totally beyond

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4035034655195051540.post-45753644961085257182009-03-31T08:41:00.000-07:002010-02-26T12:30:35.702-08:00

We are writing to share the encouraging work the Lord has been doing in our family, and to ask for your prayers and support as we step out in obedience to His call. Two years ago, we heard about Northwest Church's first mission trip to Kenya, led by Milton and Barbie Jones. Amy, who had dreamed of serving in Africa for as long as she could remember, asked Jason if she could go. His response was,

Amy and Jasonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13334730344266149283noreply@blogger.com2