CHRISTMAS NOSTALGIA

It's Christmastime and those of us who have grown up in Christian homes know this as a very special time of year. We all know it's when we think Baby Jesus was born into this world. We've known 'Away in a Manger' since we were wee small. We've known family gatherings with aunts, uncles and cousins. Some of us travel many miles to continue these memories. It seems to be a world wide tradition. Even here in Kenya, people travel to their homeland for the Holidays. Each one develops some sort of memory of Christmas. Each family develops some sort of tradition. We even eat certain kinds of food. Please bear with us as we share a special memory associated with Christmastime. It will always be a part of our family.

Two Years ago, in 2007, seven year old David came into our family. We (or I) spent 3 months in Ukraine struggling through the difficult adoption process. We left the end of September and David and I finally arrived home four days before Christmas. Needless to say, it was a very special time we had together as a family. We were so grateful to God for providing for us. You see, I could be in country without a visa for three months and by the time we arrived home there were four days left. I would have been sent home without David. We would have needed to stay out of the country three months before going back. Our fingerprints document had three days left before expiring. Upon expiring, we would have needed to start over. Isn't God's timing good? Some of these post communists are tough. In spite of themselves, God worked miracles through them. Yes, Christmas is a nostalgic time.....and my mother heart will always wonder why God chose me to care for this motherless little boy. Three years prior to this, God impressed strongly on my heart that somewhere, (but where?) there is a mother praying that someone could provide and care for her little boy. I fought it, Sam fought it for a long time; we had children of our own........but finally we gave in and travelled blindly in the direction we were led.

We were led to David in Vynogradov, Ukraine; went through the required (and more) process and finally succeeded. We didn't found out much beyond that, except we found David...but who is he?

David Sergei, age 9.

Left to right, David-9, Myrna-9, Miriam-13, Daniel-15, Monica-17, Martina-18

David is so delighted to be in a family. Oh yes, he is like the others. There are tiffs and quibbles, and much teasing and laughter. He has a few quirks that indicate that there was little personal training before age 7. It's hard work, but the results are rewarding.

We were home one year and received the second call to serve in Kenya, Africa. (Ray Stutzman may not know it, but the first time he called, he was very instrumental in encouraging us on in the adoption process. At the time, we were at a crossroad).

In March 2009, we felt inspired to do a biological search for David's family. We were nervous...but again placed the results in God's hand. The family was easily found. David was born the third child with some health issues in the hospital. His parents were very poor and could not take him home. The government stepped in and placed him in an orphanage. There is still much corruption in the government in these remote area. Afterall, placing a child for adoption means thousands of dollars for them. Can you imagine this heartbroken mother? Always wondering.....the family was happy to be found and to know what happened to their son. They want contact and gave us their address.

The Ukrainian family, Stephan and Lizbet and children from Svalyava, Ukraine, a far western village in the Uzhgorod region. Wayne and Connie Hursh serve under CAM in Ukraine. They sent the 101 Bible Story book and a few pieces of literature to the family. In May, we wrote them a letter and received this one from David's mother a few weeks ago. This was sent to Connie; she translated and emailed the message to us.

Dear Mattie, We received this sweet letter the other day from David Sergey's biological mother. It touched my heart and I'm sure it will yours, too.

Hello from Zacarpatska Oblast, from Sergey's mother (Liza) and his father (Styopa).We recieved your letter and are very glad because of that. We waited for it for such a long time. I, Sergey's mother, love my son very much and would like to see him. Sergey, please forgive us for what happened....that I gave you to an orphanage.We didn't have a place to live, didn't have any work (job), and we were very poor. You have 4 more brothers and one sister. Now we are still living poor, but I still count you as my son. I didn't refuse you, and I went to visit you. Nobody told me that you were adopted. When I appealed to the court, they would not tell me who had adopted you.

I didn't know anything about you till your new family told us about you. I am very glad that you are in a nice family. I want to thank that family for taking care of you. I would like your family to come and visit us, and so Sergey could see his family here.

We still are living poor and have no job. We built only 2 rooms because we can't afford much. sometimes not even enough for food. Please answer this letter. I trust only in the Lord God that He will make it possible for our families to meet together.I kiss all of Sergey's American family. Thank-you for not forgetting us, Sergey.

Sincerely yours, Styopa and Liza.

Then there was a little note thanking us for our letter and the books. They were very glad for them and asked us to stop and visit them if we will be in their Oblast sometime. They would like our phone number, too.

It will be interesting to see how God will open the doors...maybe you will need to come visit Ukraine again. At this time of the year I think about you and how you courageously stuck it out till the adoption was finally through! I'm sure God has a special work for David and God bless you for doing your part.

Love and Prayers, Connie

The American family; Sam and Mattie Kauffman and children

Does God care about children? Does He care about a misplaced little boy? We are convinced He has His hand on David. Please pray that we can have wisdom in training this particular child. Please pray that we can know how to relate to his family. God willing, we as a family, are considering visiting them in Ukraine some day. If it works out, possibly we'll stop by when we return to America. We are seeking God's timing in this.

We are aware this is not a Kenyan post....just a melancholy airing of the mind. We thought those of you who were very involved in the whole adoption process would find this interesting.

May God bless and all and find you faithful.

Mattie for the Kauffmans

YOUTH MEETINGS
Part two

In the afternoon, we had a social time of games, etc. Most of the Kenyans know how to play soccer well but that's about the extent of organized games. Jevon Beachy set up a volley ball net and it was quite interesting trying to teach them how to play. They soon caught on and did quite well. What a fun time they had laughing at each other!



The volley ball setup with all kinds of neighboring onlookers. They had good time watching and it was a good testimony to see wholesome interaction.

Judith Aoko (Kajulu) and Abigail Peachey (Nyagondo)

The tug of war brought gales of laughter.

Joseph and Becky Hostetler organized some relay races. This is where you put on gloves and open a wrapped piece of candy. First they had to learn how to put on the gloves. It's something they don't need here.

It was a good day and if laughter is good medicine, we all had a healthy dose. We look forward to next time.

The weather continues to be warm and Christmas seems far away. It feels more like July 4th. Today it was 92 degrees and we chuckle abit at our snowbound friends in America who can't even attend church. Schedule continues here as usual, with visitations, baptism interviews, and constant applicant interviews. The Kenyans do celebrate the Christmas season in their own way. More goodies are available at the stores and they spend more money than usual.

Here in the compound we look forward to the program Miss Rosalie is having the children present on Christmas eve. Agape is preparing special dinners for the orphans and it's a busy time for our church ladies who do the cooking. Look for more details next time concerning orphans.

We thank our friends for the cards and pictures you have sent. It means so much to us at this end. The mail so far has been very reliable and we usually recieve a letter/package within 5-8 days. Please continue in prayer for the work here.

Mattie for the Kauffmans

YOUTH MEETINGS AT OROBA CHURCH

Part one

Last week we had the young people together for a good old-fashioned one day Beachy fellowship meetings. The youth seldom see each other unless we Americans help bring them together. We don't have evening services in this area because it's too risky to be out after dark. Because of the equator location, darkness falls around 7:00 PM year around. During the day the youth are in school except for 3 months in the year; April, September and December. The 8 churches in the area are spread apart pretty far (an hour this way or that)and transportation is a problem. Even though public transportation is available in most places; the funds are scarce. So you see, the young people don't get acquainted unless we help them. It's a time for the boys to see the girls and the girls to see the boys. Isn't that why young people attend the fellowship meetings? Even with this shy and inhibited group, the excitement was pretty high!

This time the meeting was hosted by the Oroba Church where Joseph and Becky Hostetler are pastoring. It's an hours bumpy drive out of Kisumu. Each pastor collected his own group of youth and away we went. Only instruction class and full members were allowed to attend. There were approx. 135 youth, otherwise it would have been close to 400. At the last meeting we had many church attendees and wannabees. This was much more managable especially with the food. Upon arrival we were served mandazis and chai and the meeting began at 10:00.




The Oroba church is one of the oldest established in this area.

Several of the church buildings have walls and windows; others only have a roof. Kajulu has walls but no windows or concrete floor as of yet. This photo will give you the ratio of boys and girls. There are only a third as many girls as boys. No one knows why exactly...maybe the sacrifice is greater for the girls.

Each church group stood up front and had introductions and presented a song. This is the Kajulu youth including the three Kauffmans. Jack and Norah Ouko are a young married couple who are getting a chorus practice started. Jack is far left and Norah stands beside Monica in the back row. Norah at 17 years of age, is one month older than Monica.

Sam and Jonathan Martin watching from the back. Jonathan's nephew, Cory Martin, (sitting) is a visitor from the Martindale church in Ephrata.

hm... you're 'suppose' to stop every few phrases to give the interpreter time to do his job... bother! Forgot about that one. :) haha Watch the two men behind me while i'm talking. :)

If the chorus sounds a little weird it's because it's a direct translation from Luo.

-Martina

AFRICAN SUNDAY SCHOOL
Part two
There are 4 children classes, 2 are in Luo and 2 are in English.


Martina teaches the younger students, (ages 3-9) of the English classes. Her class is the kitchen of a nearby house.

I teach the older English students, ages 10-13. The class is out by the road. The animals, dogs and drunkards are a distraction. We are teaching out of the same book and try to stay on the same lesson. This day we learned about the Israelites applying the blood over the doorposts. God said, "When I see the blood I will pass over you."They know the song in Luo and here they are learning it in English. Martina then joins the 2 classes and takes them up fronts to sing their songs in English. You may watch for the video clip of them singing. We are still learning different facets of this blog.

Mattie Kauffman

AFRICAN STYLE SUNDAY SCHOOL

The weather continues to be perpetual summer and the girls love to go to Sunday School in flip flops. Sam and I can't quite resort to that yet and probably never will. It seems too....well....too gardenish.
Going to church is something we always look forward to. (The route there is another story on which we need to write someday.) There is an ongoing instruction class beginning at 9:00 AM, with 15-20 people of all ages, including Daniel and Miriam this time. Church services begin at 10:00 and abit before that the people start dribbling in.....we really do need to do some teaching on punctualality....finally nearly at the end of S.S. time most every one has arrived and the place is nearly packed. And yes, most of the people walk or bike for a hour or more and arrive sweaty, hungry and tired. The young chilren come, laughing and chattering, and wash up at the pump. Some of the girls jerk their veils out of their pockets and scrunch them on the heads. Most of the boys shirttails are hanging out and stay that way all day. You can't help but smile at the "hick"aprearance of some of these people. Afterall, most of them live in the mountains. The attendance is typically 160-200. There soo many children; sons and daughters of members, plus many orphans. The children line the sides of the church building, girls on one side and boys on the other. It's a full time job for the usher to keep them all in a well-behaved condition.
Sunday School is an exciting and challenging time.



The adult Sunday School calss taught by Wilberforce. About a dozen benches are taken outside for the youth/children classes.

The youth boys out behind the church.

The youth girls in front of church.

Look for more in Part Two.