Wow!  It seems hard to believe that this was our last full day at Tumaini.  The time has gone much too quickly.  We have seen and experienced so much in what fells like such a short period of time, but then...that's what happens when you are forming life-long friendships and working side-by-side with brothers and sisters in Christ.

The night before last in our devotion we read a beautiful thank you note from Grace (who we all call "Amazing Grace") saying how grateful she was for the birthday gift that we gave to her.  She wrote that she never expected that gesture and hoped that we would each be blessed by God for it.  Grace is truly amazing.  She is a pretty, intelligent and generous young lady with a heart of gold.  Her love for the children at Tumaini and Huruma as well as her desire to serve and help them through her soap-making business is very evident and inspiring.

Earlier that same evening we had a really fun time with the children at their Friday night Youth Service.  We broke into to groups, one for grades kindergarten through standard five and the other standard six through Form Four (Seniors).  We held devotions for each group and the children enjoyed it to the max!  After our separate devotions, we all came back together and presented each student with their own wooden cross necklace, "goodie bag" with school supplies and last, but certainly not least, their brand new hardback Bibles!

How we wish you could have seen their faces and heard the joy in their sweet little voices as they said, "Thank you!" These times with the children as so precious and it is such a privilege and honor to minister to them , not just through spending time, but also through giving them gifts of things that are so common to us, but rare treasures for them.  Through your generous giving and prayers, YOU are part of this great exchange!  Praise the Lord!

In a bit of somber news, the heifer that gave birth to the male calf a few days ago still cannot stand.  She has no strength in her back legs to the size and difficulty of the birth.  The veterinarian has said that there is nothing that he can do for her.  So, now it seems that she will have to be put down and butchered.  The meat will be provided to the children here at Tumaini.  They will need a new cow.  Please help us to pray about this need and ask our Lord to provide, as He has already been so faithful to do.

Yesterday, we visited Nanyuki, a town just north of the Equator.  Boy, was it hot there!  We had a great time seeing the famous Spinners and Weavers which is a business of widows who use natural wool from sheep on the property and color dyes found in nature to create the most beautiful shawls, scarves and rugs to support themselves.  As you can imagine, we were eager to purchase a few items to help further their worthy cause. 

We leave to head back to Nairobi tomorrow morning.  Pease pray for our safe travels and for us to be able to continue to minister in any way that God desires.  Though we are leaving the children's home, we are still on a mission and willing to serve the Lord however He sees fit!

Thanks and God bless each of you!

Cynthia R. Murray