The Taylors came to visit!

Who are the Taylors you ask? They are friends from Georgia that Denise has known for a number of years. In fact Donna Taylor was working with Dream for Africa in 2005 when the Crystal Cathedral sent the 350 missionaries to Swaziland. She was one of the three women we met with on that fateful day in April!

Donna's husband is Steve and two of their three children were here - Maggie is 17 and Pete is 14 - we thoroughly enjoyed their visit! Donna is working with Heart for Africa and is right now 'in between' teams so her husband and son came to Kenya to join her and Maggie. The whole family left on Monday this week to fly up to Northern Kenya and they will be returning Thursday evening and stay with us again until they join the second Heart for Africa group this Sunday.

But - the story I want to tell here is about Ugali! Who is Ugali you ask? The question is not who but what...it is actually a staple food for many of the people of Kenya and is made with maize meal. These first two photos were taken during a teaching session. That is Tabitha teaching us all the art of making Ugali. We all decided that it is very hard work! Tabitha insists that making this small amount is quite easy...much easier than cooking for 100!Looks to me like she is using much elbow grease here!
Ah - now for the good part - eating the Ugali! Can you see it on the table in front of Tabitha? We also had fried beef and greens that night...no forks or spoons on that table...nope - we ate with our fingers...I love that! You just cut a slice of Ugali and then grab a bit in your hand, roll it in a ball and use it to pick up your food...after much practice I am actually getting pretty good at it!
I just love this family - one thing that struck me was how well the kids get along! How many 17 and 14 year old brothers and sisters sit together on a couch when they do not have to - there were plenty of other places to sit! I have told Donna that I think it is because they have such great parents - she gives God all the credit...I think it is a bit of both!
Here we are at the airport...now I have heard of weighing luggage before checking in, but have you ever weighed your whole self (plus all carry ons, including water!) before boarding a flight? Me either! Maggie was quite pleased that her weight was the lowest!
Here they all are together...Maggie, Donna, Pete and Steve...bye for now!
We have been praying for them every day...and look forward to hearing all the wonderful stories from their four day adventure!