Martyns in Africa

• He’s leaving, on a prop plane…

  Posted: February 28, 2011, 7:00 pm by Taylor

  Taylor is busy with some last minute preparations for his trip into Sudan. He leaves bright and early Tuesday morning and will be gone 11 days or so. This project is to gather media to share about what SIM Sudan has been doing for the last five years, the years since they have been able to go back in after the civil war ended. Can’t wait to hear and see an update from the team and the country that is still so close in our hearts.

  There will be two other guys coming to help Taylor out. Lane, from the U.S. and Mike who lives here in Kenya and works with the AIM media group. Please pray for the team to work well together and capture the media needed to tell the story well.

  As always we ask for your prayers for safety and for good health as Taylor travels.

• Sibling Fun

  Posted: February 26, 2011, 7:21 pm by Taylor

  Avery continues to have a good attitude about being a big sis and having to share Baba, Mama, and their attention. Here she is helping Larson with his tummy time exercises.

• Telephone

  Posted: February 25, 2011, 7:32 pm by Taylor

  Remember that game of telephone. Well, sometimes it feels a bit like that for me when I try to make a call here. I called to make Larson’s two month appointment at the pediatricians office. The lovely receptionist lady is from a tribe that has a hard time with “l” and “r”. Yep, we are in a bit of trouble with our kids’ names coupled with the fact that they are both surnames and Martyn is only well known here as a first name.

  Me: Hello, I would like to make an appointment.
  Receptionist: Could you come Friday at 10? Who is this for?
  Me: Yes, Friday would work. It is for Larson Martyn
  Receptionist: (looking trough files) Is the family name Awson?
  Me: (thinking she just complimented our awesome name, but then realizing what she really said) No, the family name is Martyn, and his first name is Larson.
  Receptionist: See you Friday.

• Unrest in the Middle East and Africa

  Posted: February 23, 2011, 8:28 pm by Taylor

  CNN has a good article that gives a basic overview of the unrest going on right now country by country. Copy and past the link below to read about it.

  http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/02/23/mideast.africa.unrest/index.html

• Much needed reminder

  Posted: February 23, 2011, 1:47 pm by Taylor

  Yesterday in Bible study Hebrews 4:14-16 was mentioned. I really needed that reminder right now.

  Here it is incase you would like to read or re-read it.

  Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

  We have a bit of change going on with our ministry and we will post more about that soon. Please keep us and SIM leadership in your prayers. Thanks!

• Change

  Posted: February 20, 2011, 10:07 pm by Taylor

  This month marks a year since we moved to the SIM Kenya team. As you may recall we made the move from SIM Sudan to SIM Kenya for a new position that was created, coordinator for the East African Media Epicenter.

  We were excited about the possibility of creating a high quality media to share about the Lord’s work within East Africa to supporters and possible new missionaries around the world. We were told it was a go and moved our family to Nairobi as it would provide the best placement for the media hub.

  Unfortunately, there have been many unforeseen developments. A few weeks ago we were told that Taylor’s position, the only one filled of the nine epicenters around the globe, will be put “on hold” when we return to the States this May for home assignment. This basically means that as they step back and take a look at restructuring the regional media epicenter idea we will look for another position.

  We would GREATLY appreciate your prayers for our family right now in this time of uncertainty. We would like to stay here in Kenya as it has become “home”. There is a possibility of staying with SIM but being seconded to another agency that has a wonderful and established media team. This team has actually been generous enough to share office space with Taylor this past year. We admire the media team and how they use their gifts to share about the Lord’s work. Though this move might make sense to us we don’t want to rush into anything.

  Please be praying for guidance and wisdom as we look ahead for our next steps, that we would clearly see the direction God would have us go, and for a refreshing of our passions which led us to choose missions as a career. Please also be praying for SIM leadership as they take another look at these regional media centers which have the potential to be of great use for the kingdom.

• Larson and Mateo

  Posted: February 15, 2011, 7:23 pm by Taylor

  Our friends Sharon and Teddy had their first little one, Mateo, a few days before Larson. They are destined to become best buddies Here they are chilling in their slings at a picnic lunch last weekend. Thought this moment was too cute to pass up.
  

• Happy Valentine’s Day

  Posted: February 15, 2011, 7:47 am by Taylor

  Whew, what a day! We have been getting some much needed rain lately. So much so in fact that we had to deal with some flooding last night. Thankfully neighbors came out to help clear out some drains and it did not get in the house! We did have a “romantic” evening as well since we had power cuts so we spent the evening by candle light! Made for a very memorable Valentine’s day! Hope you all had a great one celebrating loved ones!

• Update

  Posted: February 8, 2011, 7:50 pm by Taylor

  Just wanted to check in and give you all an update. As most of you have been, we have also been praying and reading up on the situations in Egypt and Sudan. Please continue keep these nations in your prayers.

  Taylor wrapped up the short version of the video for the Burkina Faso project, there was even a version made in French! He will finish up the longer version and continue prep for his trip into Sudan in March. The Ethiopia project has been put on hold for now so we get to have him in country more than expected, a very welcome treat!

  Allison has been busy being a mom of two and trying to get back into a schedule of sorts. It is hard work but worth it for our two cuties!

  Larson has been very busy growing more each day. We are now thrilled to enjoy his smiles and “conversations” of coos and other fun noises he is learning to make. Today is his 7 week birthday!

  Avery has continued to enjoy being a big sister and is such a fun girl to be around. Her imagination is growing and it is so cute to overhear her conversations at her tea parties and adventures. Below you can see a tea party and a lookout for monkeys!

  We have a special guest for two weeks, Taylor’s sister Allison! She has been a huge help and it has been wonderful to have this time to share with her.

Blah blah blah

Fish cakes

Alas a fish cake.

Yet more fish cakes

Guess what ... yeah ... fish cakes.

The end of the fish cakes