Yesterday we celebrated my oldest grandchild’s birthday. My grandson turned 17. He is a an awesome young man (wow, can’t believe I am using the word “man” in a description of one of my grandkids, but it is a fact). He has a great heart for Christ and for other people. He is funny and thoughtful. He loves music and movies. He is a reader and thinker. He is athletic and good looking. He is researching colleges and wants to make a difference in the world. He isn’t perfect, but as I already wrote, I think he is awesome.

We also went to a local vegetable market and there are people there who sell souvenirs as well. I loved the experience and again am reminded of so much that I take for granted back home. I love the hospitality of the Kenyan people. I loved seeing how my son and daughter in law know these people. They know their names and some of their stories as well.

We talked more about some future ministry possibilities that my son and daughter in law are pursuing. Wow! I was reminded of when we dedicated my son to the Lord. My Dad was the pastor who did the dedication. Part of what he said and challenged my wife and me with was that we were dedicating him to the Lord. Not for our preferences but for God’s call on his life. We gave him to the Lord while he was a baby. He chose to personally follow Christ as a teen. He has, and is, answering God’s call on his life. He still belongs to the Lord. I trust the Lord. As a parent I still have moments of worry and fear. But I know that God loves my kids and grandkids even more than I do. Therefore, I embrace where they are headed. I will continue to pray fiercely for them. I will love them passionately and encourage them in any way I can. But I will also worry some.

The birthday boy and I played some ping pong. Then my son and grandson and I played some ping pong. I didn’t do so well, but I sure enjoyed the time. We played a couple of other games and just soaked up being with this beautiful family.

I spent a lot of time reading my Bible yesterday. I was reminded over and over again of God’s faithfulness and that God has a plan for us. His plans are full of hope and a future. I needed that reminder.
My back is doing better, it is not completely free of pain but it is worlds better than the day before. If you prayed, thanks, it is improving and I am hopeful that the 18 hours of plane rides when we head home will be okay.

Today is our last full day with the family. We will head toward the airport in the afternoon tomorrow and are scheduled to fly out about 10:30 Thursday night (Kenya time). This has been an awesome trip. Again let me say thanks for all who helped us get here and for all who have been praying for us.

Dennis