October

Hey Everyone!

I am home for the first time in the longest time and am just having some time to chill out and catch up on some much needed things. One of them is blogging! I never take the time to blog.

Things are going well on my end here in Nairobi, but many things have changed in the past month or so. So many of my friends have moved away from Nairobi, it is crazy. On the compound where I live it has become basically vacant. Becky moved back to the USA, Stryker has headed to 40/40, two of the families are still gone and Blake is gone for another week to West Africa. It is out of control! Also several of my friends off the compound have moved away.

The life of a missionary is constantly changing, and Becky always says it is a lot like the military. It seems like I can never have friends for more than a year or two and then we have to separate. I am thankful for the hope I have in Jesus Christ that we will all be reunited again some day. God has truly blessed me with incredible friends in my life.

I am continuing to truck right a long with all of the ministries I have been involved in here in Nairobi. God continues to bless me. I am so thankful that Blake has moved to Nairobi and am looking forward to us serving people together when he has free time.

It is hard to believe that I have been gone for a year. I can hardly believe it! I have been blessed with the opportunity to return to the US for Christmas this year. What a blessing! I cannot wait to see all of my family and some friends. I wish I could see everyone, but I know 15 days is simply not enough time!

I pray each of you are having a wonderful day. Whatever you are doing, praise the Lord in your heart. Praise Him for the the chance to live today. Soak up the time you have!

Mungu akubariki na ninakupenda sana.

Tank

Chubbs!

Hey everyone,

I guess it's about that time to update. Not exactly sure how I know when that time is, since I have only updated like 5 times ever, but right now I feel like it! I am chillin at my apt here in Nairobi waiting to go eat dinner at Diamond Plaza with Stryker and Talip. We love our indian food in Kenya! Actually, we'll probably eat some Turkish since Talip is from Turkey. We are still in winter-like conditions in Nairobi. It was starting to warm up, but then it reverted back to the cloudy cold days... I am staying thankful through it all, or at least trying too. I am so ready for the warm weather that I am so accustomed to in Nairobi. Too bad I have S.A.D! Haha. I won't be able to put up any pictures with this bloy post as I have lost my camera cord. Oops. I really need to find that thing.

So much has happened since I last wrote. One of the students at JKUAT accepted Christ, Stryker moved to Kenya, and so much more. I am most excited right now about Jason being here in less than 11 days! I can't hardly believe it and I know that we have a wonderful time while he is here. I am planning all kinds of stuff. If you want to know more, just check my last update. I'm gonna head to get some great food! Until next time... It's just me.

I guess it is time for my monthly update. I am such a terrible blogger! I guess that is why I have never advertised my blog and only those who stumble across it read it.

Since I last wrote, a lot of things have changed here in Kenya. The biggest, and most exciting, news is the arrival of my good friend and brother Stryker Kaleo as my teammate here in Kenya. What a blessing! We have been friends since our days living in the Daks at Camp Kaleo and God has seen fit for us to be reunited in Kenya. We are both on the University Ministry team. He started language school last week and is diving straight into life and ministry in Nairobi. God is opening up some incredible doors for us to serve together and I am really enjoying having him here.

Jared and I had a a great time together while he was here. Before Jared left, a volunteer by the name of Ben Hollon who is a student at Kansas State came for a two week mission trip. He came with the focus of working with the Media Team. While he was here, he made a video about the Special Needs School I volunteer at during my free time. It is incredible! He highlighted some of the biggest needs the school where the school could really use some help. God has given me a passion for these kids so I am thankful when someone else cares about their well-being as well. Ben left last Sunday, and he is very muched missed. God has blessed him with a wonderful heart and he is going to do awesome things for Christ in his life. (If you would like a video, just let me know or email treesidefriends@gmail.com)

I am still ministering at JKUAT, a university near my house. I am teaching/tutoring a freshman math class and really enjoying that. I even get to be a part of the graduation ceremonies next week! I am also getting involved in several Bible studies on a campus right near my house. This campus is closed to any Christian ministry so I am thankful that God has opened this door. The majority of students are blatantly non-Christian.

God continues to bless my life here in Kenya. It is winter here, and I am definitely ready for the hot hot days to return! I love hot weather. I find myself each day feeling more and more at home here. I am thankful that God has blessed me by allowing me to live and serve among such amazing people. My heart still aches each day as I think about the loss of my wonderful cousin. I know that I am exactly where I need to be though. Please for my family as we continue to walk through this loss. I hope all is well, and until next time. It's just me!

Jared

Hey y'all,

Thank you for all the prayers these past few weeks. Things have been hard, but God is so faithful. I have had a lot of down moments attempting to process my cousin's passing. I am trying to focus on the good memories. My brother Jared arrived here this morning. He will be here for 12 days. What a blessing! Hope all is well. Until next time... It's just me! Hahaha.

Sidda

My dear cousin Sidda passed away this past Saturday. This has been one of the hardest things I have ever gone through. God is so good to see all of us through this, but it still hurts. I was given the tremendous privilege of writing her Eulogy which was read at her funeral by my little brother since I was unable to be there. Please be praying for Connor, Brent, John Russell and Karen during this time.

Sidda

How do I even begin to say goodbye to Sidda? What words can describe what I am feeling as I sit in my bed in Kenya and attempt to face the reality of what my family is walking through thousands of miles away in Heflin. The idea that my Sidda will not be one of the first people to wrap her arms around me when I step off the plane next year is not a reality to me yet. As you are all gathered here to celebrate the life of Sidda and attempt to say goodbye let’s first remember some wonderful memories about our dear Sidda.
Sidda has always been the life of the party and she wanted nothing less for her funeral. She told me several times over the years she wanted her funeral to be a party, and even though our spirits are down and our hearts are heavy, let’s first celebrate Sidda.
My first dear memories with Sidda began when I was thirteen and would go to Alabama with Granny and Granddaddy to visit. I was shocked to discover there was this incredible family member who I barely knew in my young life. We immediately hit it off and the rest is history.
No one has ever fully understood my relationship with my cousin Sidda but I can honestly say she has been my big sister and one of my best friends. She was no less than a celebrity who hated to answer her phone but when she finally did those phone conversations were absolutely wonderful. The countless trips to Heflin over the summer and Christmas breaks quickly became some of my favorite times. She always showed me the best times and spoiled me rotten. Some of my favorite times with Sidda were jamming out in the car, taking care of the horses, going “fitching,” going to the beach, riding four wheelers, trying to beat her in Harry Potter “Scene It”, trashing her car in hopes of Brent buying her a new one, cosmic bowling, drinking energy drinks with Ginsing on the way to Six Flags, going to the movies, working the gate at the Heflin Jamboree and of course playing Spades. She always wanted to make sure I was entertained and having a blast while I was there, which she did so well. Through all the things she planned for us they were all overshadowed by just being with her. I didn’t come to Heflin for all the fun activities, but to be with Sidda and the family.
When I was praying about coming to Africa Sidda immediately was one of my biggest supporters. She was the first to tell everyone how proud she was of me for chasing the vision God laid on my heart. When I left her house in October she was already planning my welcome back party in 2010 when I return home. I wish more than anything I could have jumped on a plane and been home to be there with all of you now but I know that she would be absolutely “PISSED” if I came home.
To Brent thank you for always sharing your wonderful wife and best friend with me. You always put up with our late nights in your house while you had to get up early the next day. You always welcomed me and never made me feel like it was time to go but rather you wanted me to stay longer. My heart absolutely breaks for you as I know the difficult task that lies ahead of you. God will pick you up and give you the strength to face your life ahead.
To Connor, I cannot begin to express my heart to you. I have known you since you were born and I know how much you love your wonderful mother. I love you so much and my heart aches for you. I wish more than anything I could be there with you right now.

To Caesar and John Russell, I don’t understand why God allows these things to happen, but He will see you through this and continue to prove faithful. I love y’all and grieve with you even though I am so far away.
To the rest of our family and to so many others who have been touched by Sidda don’t forget the things she taught you and constantly remember all the great memories you made with her.
Sidda taught me to truly love people. I cannot think of one time I left her house or hung up the phone without her making sure to get in a “love you.” Every time I left her house she always gave strict instructions to “call when you get there” and if I didn’t then she would be calling worried if I made it home safely. She loved unconditionally and always wanted to make sure that we knew it. Her youthful ways drew so many kids to her. The main reason was she didn’t treat us like we were kids. She got down on our level and really listened. Kids were completely drawn to her. She taught me so much about kids by the way she related to me. She inspired me to work with kids and was so proud when I started working with people with special needs. She loved me enough to let me go and was the first to release me to my mission in Africa. She was completely unselfish. No matter how much she may be hurting inside she was going to keep smiling in front of everyone and make sure that everyone was happy. I can’t count the times that I laughed so hard with her that I cried.
I don’t know how to even begin to say goodbye. Sidda, I love you so much. I am so thankful you are no longer in pain and now in the arms of Jesus. I selfishly want you here. I can’t help but question why God chose to take you now, but I am trying to trust Him. You have left such a deep imprint in my life and the lives of many others.
Now is the time for all of us to embrace Brent, Connor, Caesar, and John Russell and be Sidda for them. I wish more than anything I could be there, but all of you, please be there for these precious people. This day will quickly pass but then will come the months and years ahead. Be there and love on these wonderful people like Sidda needs us to now. Take the time to celebrate her life and recall stories of how she has touched each of your lives.
Sidda, I thank you for your life and taking the time to truly love me. My life is on a completely different track because of you. I will carry your memories with me all of my life and am forever changed. I look forward to the day we are reunited in Heaven. Until then, keep flying Superwoman!

Love you!!!

Jeffrey – Your little brother and “Princess”


“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35

Pole sana!

I am such a blogging slacker, but that just means I am super busy with everything going on here in Kenya. Seriously, I have been so busy. I love it here though. Since I last wrote, so much has happened. I graduated language school on April 9. I was second in my class! Woot woot! I am really involved in campus ministry now and volunteering in various ministries in Nairobi. This summer is looking to be a blast. First, Blake is coming to visit. Then a big mission meeting, then mom and Jared are coming. I can't wait! Then Micah moves to Kenya. God continues to blow me out of the water by blessing my life here. I hope all are well, and thanks for reading my blog!

-Tank