2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. [NIV]
There are many instances in the New Testament where teachers had to say goodbye. The most dramatic was Jesus ascending into heaven as the angels told Jesus' disciples that Jesus would return someday. Neil's departure was nothing like that, but his friends in Kenya are hoping Neil will return to visit them. As much as Neil longs to come home, there is a sorrow when he has to leave. When you add up the days over the past 22 years, Neil has lived over 3 years in Kenya. Pictured above are Nixson, a pastor in Naivasha, and his wife Claire after enjoying a meal of fish and chips (French fries) with Neil.
Using FlightAware to track Neil's flights, Ruth was able to text Neil when he landed in Paris, and again when he and Sonja landed in Minneapolis. Then using their phone tracker, Ruth watched Neil and Sonja's progress home from the MSP airport until they met in Glenwood. Sonja apologized for making Neil drive her van, but Ruth was so thankful. Sonja looked very tuckered out after the long flights home with very little sleep. Sonja helped Neil find his luggage, giving Ruth a very special bag of Kenyan coffee to enjoy, and then she headed to Alexandria to complete her journey.
Neil had invited Ruth for a dinner date at the Minnewaska House on their way home. Ruth asked Neil to tell her his favorite part of the trip. Neil said there were several, and delighted her by describing them in full without the crackle of poor international phone connections between them. They both remarked that this time it had been especially difficult to be apart. Ruth always wonders if Neil will make it through the dangers he encounters in Kenya. But this year, the added stress of changes in banking rules for international money transfers took a toll on Ruth's heart. Her blood pressure has been in the elevated to danger zone. She will be having that checked, so please keep her in prayer.
Almost as soon as Neil was in the door, he headed to bed and is now sleeping soundly. After your body has been trying to sleep all folded up in a cramped airplane seat for 16 hours, it is so wonderful to stretch out in your own bed with all the responsibilities of the trip behind you.
Prayer items:
- Thank God for Neil and Sonja's safe return.
- Pray for international money transfers to function smoothly again.
- Pray for the planning for the next Kenya trip.
- Pray for healing for Ruth's lungs and heart.
Outfitters for Adventure