I was awakened this morning by the chirping birds announcing the first rays of light as a new day dawned. The sky soon turned a brilliant blue adorned with fluffy cotton clouds over mount Elgon in the distance. A patchwork quilt of reddish brown and differing shades of green fields cover the countryside as an army of dilapidated tractors scurry back and forth dragging ploughs preparing for the next harvest of maize. That such a picturesque setting hides such desperate human need is difficult to fathom.

Yet within this setting lie the demons of poverty, disease, hopelessness and despair for so many. I'm often reminded of the story of the man who discovered millions of starfish washed up on the shore one morning as he walked along the beach. One by one he picked them up and tossed them back to safety in the water. His friends began to ridicule him telling him he was wasting his time, how could he make a difference with so vast a problem. He reached down and picked up another stranded starfish, then tossing it back into the ocean replied, it makes a difference to that one. Maintaining focus on what I'm called here for is the only way to prevent becoming overwhelmed.

Medical Clinic at Kitale Prison March 2006

Recently some of my friends and supporters have been out to visit and participate hands on in some of the projects Lisa and I have been involved with. I dare say for all of us involved that we had an amazing time. More often than not our agenda has been scraped and replaced by plans and meetings only God could have arranged. It's so fun when he does that but he almost always takes us out of our comfort zone first. Treating 1000 plus inmates at a medical clinic inside the walls of the Kitale men's prison would be an example. Spending days in the intense heat of the Pokot sun assembling school desks and treating kids at a clinic then spending the night in the stifling heat of a thatched banda would be another. Yet the appreciation and gratitude shown in the faces of those we serve is more than worth the sacrifice. In fact it isn't a sacrifice at all when measured against the sense of fulfillment one receives.

In a few days I shall board a plane and return home satisfied that the work I came to do this trip has been accomplished and so much more. But more work has been revealed, knew visions have been shared, and contacts with people previously unknown to me have been made. I shall therefore plan that God willing I can return back soon. Perhaps some of you might consider coming back with me and or if it's not time yet, perhaps you'll send me. Meantime I'll look forward to visiting with many of you when I return home and if you wish, share the stories of Kenya.

I remain in His grasp. Your friend Paul.