Ruzga Family Newsletter

July 2014

Life in a Kenya!

It's hard to believe that Deb and I have been in Kenya for almost a month now. The whirlwind we spoke of last month continues as we settle into our new life here.

We were greeted and received by our friend, Daniel Mbugua in Nairobi and spent a few days with our friends Esther and Mewende Hall adjusting to our new time zone, purchasing sim cards for our telephone and window shopping in Nairobi for the supplies we needed. We then headed to Kijabe for training and fellowship with the Smith and Derse families. While here we also began our Kiswahilli language lessons, practiced driving on the opposite side of the car and opposite side of the road which led to a bit of confusion when we signaled and inadvertently turned on the windshield wipers. It was then time to make our way to our new home and to visit The Shelter site. We were super excited to see how much progress has been made on the fence and guard shack and as we stepped onto the property we were overcome with emotion as the vision became reality. We were met by a few of the neighborhood children where Deb practiced using a few of her new Swahili words which caused them to burst into the cutest little giggles.

African Jikko Cooker

Feeling Blessed Beyond Measure!

God surprised us just two weeks before leaving for Kenya with a beautiful three bedroom home to stay in within walking distance of The Shelter. We began equipping it with a kitchen table, stove, small refrigerator, dishes, and a jikko (African charcoal cooker). We are so excited to be able to host people when they visit as well as have Bible studies and build community here. Besides our home God has provided a car for us to use.

Building New Relationships

In Kenya, relationships are one of the most important things to people. We have been welcomed and greeted so warmly and made to feel at home. We have visited The Hill and The Valley where we are enjoying getting to know the staff and the children. One of our highlight moments was having a huge bonfire at The Hill with all of the children singing worship songs and entertaining us with their skits. Working together with Caleb and Eunice and getting to know them better has been such a blessing. Their love for the Lord and orphaned children is evident and inspiring.

Deb and neighborhood friends at The Shelter Gate

Bob and Caleb

The Needs are Many and Overwhelming

One of our first days as we were settling into our home, Flora, our house help, came to work with very red eyes. She explained to us that she was up all night with her 6 year old nephew who died of Typhoid. The family did not have money to take the child to the hospital in time to save him.

As we navigate our new life in Kenya we are overwhelmed by the daily needs that we face. Deaths of children due to curable diseases, unpaid school fees and watching motorcycles with leaking engine oil being washed upstream in the same river where cows drink, children and adults bath, wash dishes and collect drinking water leaves us challenged emotionally. So much need, so much disease, so much death....asking God to help us make sense of all of this. Also praying that God will continue to give us the grace and wisdom to be an encouragement to those around us.

In Christ's love,

Bob and Deb

Giving thanks always and for everything to

God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:20

Please Pray

For our relationship with Caleb and Eunice as we begin working together in building The Shelter.
For good health and God's protection over us as we continue to learn to drive in Kenya.
For the architectural drawings of The Shelter to be approved quickly and without changes by the local Kenyan government.
For God to give us wisdom in our hiring process for a social worker for The Shelter.

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