Dear Friends!

The Australian part of the "blended" family is absolutely delightful. Today I took the "older"generation on a leisurely tour around the outskirts of the town. We do some sight seeing and some local events so that they get a taste of our culture, food and customs. Yesterday we visited a nearby beautiful old castle. Napoleon was a guest there and we walk through rooms were history was made. Pretty amazing!

Dear Friends

Its so much fun to spend time with the kids and play. I visited two more of my nephews and their families. I learned new games, got a "beauty mask" from one of the girls, took pictures, laughed a lot and had just a good time.

Dear Friends

Today would be Gil's 70th Birthday.! If he would still be here we would celebrate it with a nice party. So I decided to celebrate it with some of my family members by going out for dinner. My brother, his wife,  my sister and I went to a restaurant here in town and had some fine food. Hard to believe that Gil is already gone for more then three years. Today I missed him particularly much. Knowing that he is with Jesus is a huge comfort. So we remembered Gil, looked at pictures and told some of our favorite stories and memories of him. We had some good laughs.God has been kind to us for giving Gil to us. Cheers to Gil!

Dear Friends

Right now I am in the most southern part of Germany. Its right on the boarder to France and Switzerland. In the afternoon I went for a walk with my nephews Wolfgang's wife Lisa. She is pragnent,  due day is August 30th. The pictures show Switzerland and France. It is truly beautiful here. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed our little outing.

Today's Sunday Service was a very different experience for me. Last Sunday I worshiped in my home church North Park in Pittsburgh today I visited a Baptist Church in North Germany.  My Nephew Benjamin and his family are ministering  here. Ben is the Pastor of the Baptist Church. To hear him preach was fun and encouraging. God is kind in the way HE uses different members of my extended family. Ben and Suse have four adorable children and I enjoy them very much. Here are some pictures!

Dear Friends

My daily routine includes a walk among the vineyards. At the top of the hill is a small church. It is beautiful here in summer and I enjoy God's creation.

Dear Friends

Today we had some girl time with the bride to be and my sister in law. It is good to be "home" and enjoy family. I like our "selfie" what do you think?

Hi Friends

I arrived safely in Germany. The flight was uneventful and easy! My family welcomed me with a good dinner and a glass of fine wine. I will stay with my brother's family. I went for a walk in our neighborhood tasting a fresh plum and checking up on the vineyards. It is good to be with family!

I'm ready to leave tomorrow to visiting my family in Germany and celebrating my nieces wedding.  Yesterday evening we had a "prayer send-off" that blessed me incredibly.  I will journey on to Kenya in September to visit the children in the orphanage and being involved in all sorts of other activities. Please come with me and follow my journey on the blog.  The pictures are from last nights send off. Thanks Donna and Wayne for opening your home again and thank you for all who came to pray! What a gift to have friends like that, you make my life rich!

Dear Friends!

This week I had another change to Skype with Martin. He was in the Hospice facility. His speech was not very clear but I recognized how he repeatedly said my name. It was so touching. I could talk with him for a bit and tell him that we pray for him and that I love him. Today in the morning I received this message from "big Martin".

Hi Maria,
Martin left us this morning at 8.00 in his sleep. Went and picked his body up and took it to Tigoni Mortuary in Limuru. We are planning to burry him on Tuesday. We are meeting tonight to plan. I will fill you in on details tomorrow. I had to break the news to the other children and it wasn't easy. Pray for Mama Margaret and the kids

I am so sad to hear that we lost Martin. Yes, of course I am happy for him  that his battle has ended and that he is now with Jesus. My hope was to journey with him the last part of his life. God in His sovereign care chose differently.  

 My heart aches and cries for Martin. Sorrowful over such a young life lost to a horrible disease that roots in the greed of men. My comfort is that Martin is with Jesus and he is well.  I can't express enough my gratitude to "big Martin" for  all the love he showed to Martin and the children. Taking his little body to the Mortuary, planning the funeral. How much my heart longs to be there and to do some of these things for Martin. Please pray for all the children in the home and Mama Margret. Martin has a biological brother and some of the other boys were very close to him.

Attached are some pictures of Martin.Thank you for all your prayers and the gifts you have given to Martin. The money will pay for some of the medical expenses and for Martin's funeral.

May the God of all peace fill your heart with His love,

in Him, Maria