The Wittz End: You are adored.

Marissa loving on my 4 daughters through ballet.

Our family is in Nairobi right now currently awaiting to receive 7 Bethany interns who will be living in gtown for the next 16 months. I can't help reminisce when our current interns arrived 1 year ago. It was a blur those first few days getting safaricom (the main service provider in Kenya) on their phones and making sure they could take out money successfully from the ATMs (sometimes only specific banks work). Then we filled up 3 vehicles with all the luggage and ourselves and made our way to gtown. Now there are so many memories that we have shared since then.

Ashley, oh how funny you are. You always say things like "I am dying" and "I almost peed my pants". You have a specific high pitch voice when you talk to animals and you have a laugh that is contangeous. It is easy for people to only know this funny side but you have a depth of honesty that comes out which is so valuable for others to hear. We have been blessed to watch you walk this journey well.

Brandon you are such a big guy with a compassionate heart. Thank you for the many times you have lead us all in worship. I love seeing you with children, you are a magnet to them and they soak up your attention. I have never heard you complain when the going gets rough. We are always waiting for you to start talking in your high voice when you get passionate about something . We love it when you get excited and start walking on your tip toes!

Cherish you are an anchor who is firmly rooted and not shaken by the hard days. You have dedicated to get out of your comfort zone and you have met that challenge and won. Thank you for investing into Righteous during this season of her many emotions that is such a gift. Watching you grow in your depth of knowledge of scripture has been amazing.

Dom, you are so considerate of others and ready to serve. I am told by my daughters that you are constantly stopping in town to greet different people. That greeting turns into something a little longer and you always take your time to show the love of Jesus for each individual. Of course we shall never forget your battle with the ax! We have seen you grow in confidence and learn that its Ok to speak your mind sometimes.

Joe- for someone who desires order and schedules and plans set ahead of time, you have done so well in being flexible! You have also grown in your knowledge of Scripture! It is such a treat getting to see your goofy side come out. You always have good questions that help others to understand. I can totally see you being a teacher or preacher someday because you take it seriously to help people learn and grow. We love seeing the go with the flow Joe letting your hair down so to speak! You have persevered even when language and culture is tough!

Marissa you have a beautiful heart for justice. You do not remain quiet if something is unfair and there is such a strength in you when you speak up and speak out. There is also another side to you of gentleness and forgiveness that has grown in you and you long for more. You have patiently taught my daughters ballet and you have been committed to help our C family with English. You have always risen to the occasion when we needed someone to preach or pray. God has put such a variety and perplexed gifting in you and it is amazing to witness.

Michelle you are getting ready to step into the big 3-0 in a few days and I absolutely praise God for your life. He has captured your heart and you are not the same woman you were 5 years ago. Your testimony can give hope to anyone who thinks it is impossible for God to redeem. You love people unconditionally and constantly. Everyone in gtown is aware of this so that anywhere I go, people will ask me how you are. They see Jesus in you.

We have a little over 3 months together and I am looking forward to every moment of it. I love you all. Each one of you is our favorite .