Mission Safari: The Next Chapter(s)

Some Good Adoption News

We learned yesterday that our application for adoption has been approved by the U.S. Embassy. This is an important step because we have to have "pre-approval" by Immigration before the Chinese authorities will allow an adoption to be finalized. We collect the document next week and add it to our ever growing stack of paperwork. It is a nice way to end the year.

Books I Have Read in 2005

I have read the following books this year.  It is a quite varied reading list.  I have enjoyed the mix of history, fiction, classical Christian literature, business, sports, and so on.  The reading has been both enriching and pleasurable.  I hope your reading list has been as interesting and challenging. 

1. Quicksilver by Neal Stephenson
2. The Confusion by Neal Stephenson
3. The System of the World by Neal Stephenson
4. The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
5. The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis
6. 1421: The Year ChinaDiscovered the World by Gavin Menzies
7. Weep Not, Child by Ngugi
8. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
9. Little Britches by Ralph Moody
10. The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis
11. 3 Nights in August: Strategy, Heartbreak, and Joy: Inside the Mind of a Manager by Buzz Bissinger
12. Uncommon Grounds: The History of Coffee and How It Transformed the World by Mark Pendergrast
13. Future Leader by Viv Thomas
14. Servant Leadership for Slow Learners by J. David Lundy
15. African Friends and Money Matters by David Maranz
16. The Thirteen Gun Salute by Patrick O’Brian
17. The Nutmeg of Consolation by Patrick O’Brian
18. The Truelove by Patrick O’Brian
19. The Wine-Dark Sea by Patrick O’Brian
20. The Commodore by Patrick O’Brian
21. The Yellow Admiral by Patrick O’Brian
22. The Hundred Days by Patrick O’Brian
23. Blue At The Mizzen by Patrick O’Brian

Another Christmas Come and Gone

It is hard to believe but another Christmas has come and gone but according to my calendar today is December 26th and so the fact is undeniable. I don't think I will ever get to a point in my life (or at least I hope I don't) where I am "glad Christmas is over." I still find the whole season deliciously wonderful. The anticipation and the consummation of that anticipation make for wonderful memories.

Yesterday was a wonderful day full of memories and laughter (with a few tears thrown in as well). It started early (somehow, December 25th is the only day of the year that Ben and Sarah can get up before 7:00am without a few moans!) as the kids all ran downstairs to see what was in their stockings. After spending some time enjoying these treats, we enjoyed our breakfast of fresh homemade cinnamon buns, bacon, juice, and coffee. We did this without "scarfing down" the breakfast as the kids have grown used to the slower pace that we keep on Christmas Day. When the table was cleared, we went back to the den to exchange gifts.

We have made a "rule" about Christmas that is paying dividends - we do not make or suggest Christmas gift lists. We encourage everyone to pay attention to each other's interests, needs, and desires. This really pays off on Christmas day as each gift has been carefully considered for the person receiving the gift. In this way, most gifts are surprises. For instance, Sarah got an American Girl Doll. Although we have done this the past 5 years, she really didn't "expect" one this year as we were not in the U.S. to get one. Ben and Sam got "baseball boxes" - a box with some baseballs, gloves, pants, and so on; again, a surprise for them as there isn't any baseball equipment available in country. And I could go on, but I won't bore you with these details.

After exchanging gifts, Marti's parents came over. We prepared a Christmas feast and enjoyed it immensely. We also watched some movies, read Scripture, talked, and enjoyed each other's company. I even went outside and played baseball (with the new equipment) and soccer (Ben got a soccerball from Sam). Given that the weather was sunny and 82 degrees it was ideal to be able to actually play with these gifts on Christmas day (this would not have been as fun back home in the cold and maybe snowy weather).

In the evening, Marti and I reviewed the digital pictures of the day and then sat in the den to enjoy the Christmas tree and candles once more. It was a wonderful way to end the day of another joyous Christmas.

In the coming days, I will miss the tree, the lights, the decorations, the music, the gifts, and the anticipation of Christmas. But then again, it is only 364 more days till next Christmas!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Dear Baby Kate

Dear Baby Kate (that is what we anticipate naming our adopted daughter from China),

I don't know where you are or what you look like or when you will be or have been born. But I think about you almost everyday. I have been doing more so lately as we get closer to collecting ALL the necessary documents to your country so that we can come visit you and bring you home.

We celebrated Christmas this week. Our family really enjoys Christmas and were excited to celebrate it yesterday. We have even been saying things like, "Next year Baby Kate will need a stocking on the mantel too", or "Won't it be great to have Baby Kate here next Christmas?!" You see, we are hoping to have all the paperwork done and approved so we could come see you next summer. But we got some news last week that sounds kind of bad.

Our adoption agency told us that there are some delays in the approval process in your country that are longer than we had hoped. They told us that the process is taking almost twice as long after the paperwork is submitted there. So, instead of 4-6 months, it may take 10-12 months. So, it doesn't look like you will be with us next Christmas either, as we still have a bit more waiting to do yet to get the papers submitted. And this makes Daddy sad.

It has made the frustrations and waiting of late even more difficult. It makes me doubt (sometimes) that the paperwork will ever be approved, or that the money will ever get organized to pay for our paperwork and trips. I try not to worry but sometimes I just do.

But, Baby Kate, don't you worry. Mommy and Daddy love you. And we know that God wants us to be together. And so we will continue to pray and persevere until we get every document collected, every stamp of approval we need, every scrap of money saved so that we can come and get you. We can't wait to hold you and kiss you and start our lives together as a family. This waiting will be hard for you and hard for us but don't you give up because, just like I tell Sarah, Ben, and Sam, "Hutchisons Never Give Up."

I love you. Merry Christmas.

Daddy

Missionary Christmas Party

The theme of most of my posts this month have centered on Christmas. I think I mentioned that we really didn't get to do our usual treasured activities last Christmas so we are savoring the events and memories this year. Last night we added another memory to the list.

We got together with a group of 3 other missionary families last night. We started the party by building Gingerbread houses. Each family worked on the house by themselves. We had never done one before, but we really quite enjoyed the task. Each one contributed to the design and decoration of the house. It was fun to see each of us work so hard together laughing and having fun.

Then, for dinner we had a "potato bar". This was wonderfully tasty. After dinner, while the adults were sitting and talking the kids (all 14 of them) were scattered in the house and the yard playing and laughing. It was loud, but wonderfully loud because of all the excitement and laughter.

To finish the evening, we had a "Secret Santa" gift exchange. This was fun as we were all assigned different folks to buy a gift for. I had a teenage boy, Sam had a missionary dad, Ben had a missionary lady, and so on. On the way home, we all talked about the gifts we had given and how much the person seemed to enjoy it. We also talked about the gifts we received and how much we appreciated it.

Once again, I am amazed at how much difference a year can make. Last year we were just struggling to keep our heads above water emotionally. This year, we are rather enjoying ourselves as we make more Christmas memories. We are so thankful for God's faithfulness and grace.

Lessons in Leadership

Well, I am really enjoying my new role at A.K.University Hospital. It is a real challenge. It is a blessing to put in a hard day's work and feel fulfilled. It sure beats the anxiety and depression I was struggling with earlier in the year.

One of the lessons I am learning in my new role is to be comfortable with constant change. I already knew that I needed to be flexible, but I am learning it in a new way. I have already had several "plans" revised because of changes in personnel. We were to have a new staff start January 3rd. Three decided to decline our offer. Over half couldn't start until January 16th. So, rather than fret over the details, I just revised my ideas, and went with the flow. I am trying to keep the long term perspective. My initial drafts and proposals were to start next week; but they were changes that were to have long term effects. Learning to wait another two weeks to see them implemented is no big deal. Leaders need to be able to keep the long term goals in mind while being flexible to adjust to short term changes.

I hope I will remain flexible in the coming months. I think the past year in Kenya has prepared me for such. Let's see if that preparation can be applied.

Christmas Cookies

Marti is quite busy these days. She must be making up for last year. Our container arrived one week before Christmas last year and so our main Holiday Season task was to unpack. We rushed around like crazy trying to set up house. We barely were able to find the Christmas decorations, much less use them last year. But this year is different.

One of the nice treats this year is the homemade Christmas cookies. Marti has made seven different types. They are all excellent. And she made a batch of homemade hot cocoa to boot! The other night we enjoyed a late evening snack of fresh cookies and hot chocolate. Marti is really helping us to feel at home this Christmas.

For my part, the best thing about this Holiday Season, besides the more relaxed pace and wonderful treats, is not having to unpack, carry, connect, paint, put on the wall, and otherwise work like a dog setting up house!

A Christmas Party

Thursday this past week, Marti and the kids hosted a Christmas party for 40 local kids in our front yard. The age range was 18months to 14 years of age. It sounds like it was a wonderful success.

Ben and Sarah had spent the last couple of weeks drawing illustrations of the Christmas story. They worked with our house helper Odour who told the story in Swahili to the kids. Then they sang songs, played games, colored pictures, ate snacks, and ended the party giving out presents (a lunch bag with a notebook, pencil, candy, and a beenie baby).

Marti said the despite the large number of kids, they were well behaved. Some of the older kids from the neighborhood actually stayed after the party to help clean up the yard and drive way. It was so good to hear how Marti, Sarah, Ben, and Sam really ministered to the kids in this way. Odour even told us afterwards that many of the kids did not even go to church on a regular basis. I think Marti may consider doing a Backyard Bible School during the next school break for the kids in April. Pray for wisdom in this.

A Christmas Tradition

Every year, Marti takes each of the kids on a Christmas shopping trip. The kids really look forward to this. They spend most of the summer and fall saving money for this trip. The rules are simple: the only shopper is the child, and they can go wherever they want to do the shopping. Of course they also go out to eat as well. Marti truly enjoys this one on one time as she has set aside the whole trip to focus on the individual - she is not trying to get a few things done and hence be distracted. And the kids of course love it because they also get undivided attention.

Marti did three trips this week and had fun. But, she is also tired from the intensity of the time spent together. But what a wonderful Christmas tradition. It helps the child focus on relationship and giving. Isn't that what Christmas is all about anyway?!

My First Week As Clinical Director

Well, my first week as Clinical Director of the ER and Family Medicine Center at A.K. University Hospital is in the bag. It was a busy and fun week. I am very excited about the opportunity.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I am still waiting on the work permit. I have at least received permission to attend Educational Meetings. I also have been able to attend some planning meetings as well. But, until we sort this situation out, I can't really spend a lot of time in the ER. This is not an ideal answer as I really need to be there to get a better feel for the whole situation. The upside is that it has given me some time to meet people and do some planning.

One of the blessings in this role is the "clean slate" in which I am getting. There have been some personnel issues regarding the docs that handle the ER. But the Administration at the hospital essentially let them all go. I will have a new crew with which to work. This of course will have its downsides (inexperience), but the upsides are too many to do much complaining. It is not everyday that you are asked to transform two departments and to also be given a new staff in which to do it with. And, as a missionary, I am excited about this for another reason. It really gives me an opportunity to model and mentor bright young docs who come into the situation wanting to learn. I can't wait to see how this all works out.

More Waiting

I have a missionary friend here who tells me from time to time, "God sent me to Africa to learn patience and I get to go home once I do. But since I have been here 15 years now, I guess I still haven't learned any yet!" I am beginning to wonder if that is not part of why God has sent me as well.

As I have mentioned, I have joined the faculty of the A.K. University Hospital. It is an exciting time of change and opportunity. Since I had a work permit that was valid until next year, I thought it was no big deal. But alas, I was wrong. The type of work permit is changing since I am moving from a Catholic mission hospital to a private hospital. I have to start the whole process over. It means that my official start in my position is delayed - maybe for 2-3 months. I know the work permit will come through - it is just the waiting that I can't stand.

On top of that, we had a another delay in our adoption application. We are still waiting for our Embassy approval; we were told it would be about 2-3 weeks to hear an answer. We are in week 7 now. And, one of documents from here that was supposed to be notarized in the U.S. is being sent back to be notarized and authenticated here. This will take who knows how long.

So, currently we are waiting on documents from the Kenya Ministry of Immigration and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Given the recent Cabinet shuffle, we are not too hopeful for speedy replies. But we will just have to wait. We have no other choice.

Maybe if I learn patience, I can go home too...

The First Christmas Surprise of 2005

As I mentioned in the previous post, when we returned home this weekend, our first "priority" was decorating the house. Of course, for us that means decorating our tree. We have always made this the centerpiece of our decorating. We even have a long family tradition of giving ornaments to each other every year. It started when I was a baby. My Granny gave me an ornament every year. When I moved out I had over 20 ornaments (usually handmade) to decorate with. We have continued this tradition. And when we moved here, we brought the decorations. Decorating the tree then becomes a walk down memory lane as we talk about the different ornaments and who gave them to us or where we bought them.

But, given that there are some precious ornaments, you have to have a sturdy tree. Knowing that we would not have the availability of good North Carolina Christmas trees every year, we decided to buy an artificial tree before we moved. I bought an 8-ft pre-lit tree. It looked good last year.

This year, when I was setting up the tree, I pulled the three parts of the tree out of the box. I was surprised to find a single Christmas light in bottom of the box - it was laying there with two wires sticking out of it. I knew something was up. As I started moving the tree around, several tiny brown dirty looking pieces of "rice" fell from the branches. I soon discovered a next that had been built by a mouse and recognized the "rice" as being droppings! Then, much to my chagrin, I discovered not just one set of "exposed" wires, but four sets. The stupid mice had chewed into two whole branches and severed several wires.

After brushing out every single branch to clean the droppings, I took to the tedious task of splicing the lights back together. Much to my surprise, it worked.

So, that is the story of my first surprise for Christmas 2005. May my other surprises be much happier and cleaner!

A Christmas Question

Recently a friend sent me an email describing the weather in the U.S. right now. She then asked me this question.

"I wonder what it is like in your part of the world and what Christmas feels like with no frost in the air?"

It was a good question. I had actually been thinking about this last week, especially as we were down at the beach for some vacation. It was a little odd to start December without the usual cool weather. In fact, it is summer here. Obviously it was hotter and more humid at the beach, but even Nairobi is warm; most days it is sunny with highs in the low 80's. It is wonderful. But at the same time, it is a little sad not to have a cool nip in the air. Listening to "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" is a little odd and even sad.

It is also different, pleasantly so not to have such a commercialization of Christmas. Certainly there are some shopping centers that have Christmas lights and decorations which is actually pleasing to the eyes, but there is not an overt and obnoxious marketing and selling of Christmas. And, there is not any wrangling here in government over whether a Christmas tree should be called a Christmas tree or a Holiday tree. And, best of all there is no ACLU threatening to sue someone over say "Christmas."

So, in short, there are not the usual sensory clues to alert us to the fact that Christmas is in two weeks. However, Marti has done a wonderful job of decorating the house with Christmas decorations. We also put up our Christmas tree Saturday. And, so with Christmas CD's playing and Yankee Candles burning with "Christmas scents" we at least get a taste of Christmas at home.

The upshot to all this is that it does allow us to look at Scripture a bit more clearly and appreciate the fact that Christmas is not about all the decorations, gifts, and parties, but about God intervening in history in a miraculous way. And that is a wonderful blessing. So, don't feel "too sorry" for us this Christmas - we are enjoying the real blessings of this time of year that is easier because of not having all the usual signs and clues that this is Christmas.

A Christmas Question

Recently a friend sent me an email describing the weather in the U.S. right now. She then asked me this question.

"I wonder what it is like in your part of the world and what Christmas feels like with no frost in the air?"

It was a good question. I had actually been thinking about this last week, especially as we were down at the beach for some vacation. It was a little odd to start December without the usual cool weather. In fact, it is summer here. Obviously it was hotter and more humid at the beach, but even Nairobi is warm; most days it is sunny with highs in the low 80's. It is wonderful. But at the same time, it is a little sad not to have a cool nip in the air. Listening to "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" is a little odd and even sad.

It is also different, pleasantly so not to have such a commercialization of Christmas. Certainly there are some shopping centers that have Christmas lights and decorations which is actually pleasing to the eyes, but there is not an overt and obnoxious marketing and selling of Christmas. And, there is not any wrangling here in government over whether a Christmas tree should be called a Christmas tree or a Holiday tree. And, best of all there is no ACLU threatening to sue someone over say "Christmas."

So, in short, there are not the usual sensory clues to alert us to the fact that Christmas is in two weeks. However, Marti has done a wonderful job of decorating the house with Christmas decorations. We also put up our Christmas tree Saturday. And, so with Christmas CD's playing and Yankee Candles burning with "Christmas scents" we at least get a taste of Christmas at home.

The upshot to all this is that it does allow us to look at Scripture a bit more clearly and appreciate the fact that Christmas is not about all the decorations, gifts, and parties, but about God intervening in history in a miraculous way. And that is a wonderful blessing. So, don't feel "too sorry" for us this Christmas - we are enjoying the real blessings of this time of year that is easier because of not having all the usual signs and clues that this is Christmas.

Earthquakes and Political Shake Ups

One of the really nice things about a vacation is that you become "stupid" and "clueless". You are no longer in the "know." You sit around, relaxing, resting, and not doing your usual routine.

While we were at the Coast last week, an earthquake struck in the Congo; the shocks were felt in Nairobi where some of the buildings in City Centre shook. It created quite a stir. We were perfectly unaware of such things until a couple of days later when we heard about it in an email from a friend in the US asking if we were affected. Ignorance is bliss sometimes.

Besides geological seismic events, the aftershocks from the failed Constitutional Referendum here are still being felt. The President supported the Referendum. It was soundly beaten. The President then dismissed his whole Cabinet. Apparently (again we were out of the loop blissfully soaking up the sun at the beach), there was much anxiety and angst over this. When the President finally announced his new Cabinet two weeks later, many of the appointed Ministers rejected the appointments. This of course has caused much uncertainty - a coalition government to start, now falling apart, many calling for "snap elections" (the President is currently not due up for re-election until 2007, but without any support whatsoever, he may be forced to call for early elections). For my part, I don't know which would be worse - two whole years of "campaigning" waiting for the next election or a premature and quick election with the possibility of another corrupt official taking advantage of the current situation being elected President.

Ah.I have a feeling that once I start "getting smart" again, being back in a routine, keeping up with current events, I may actually start yearning to be "dumb". Time will tell.

Pass With Distinction

Back in October, Sarah took her ballet exams from the Royal Academy of Dance. It is a rigorous exam based on a detailed curriculum developed by the RAD. The scoring of the exam includes things like presentation, technical aspects of ballet, and artistic interpretation. For the exams here, they flew in a qualified dance examiner from South Africa.

Sarah worked very hard. Even though she has been taking ballet since she was 3 years old, she had not followed this particular curriculum. She had received teaching and training in most of the curriculum but she had only 8 months to prepare compared to the other girls in her class who had 15 months. But, she really worked hard, especially in the days prior to the exam. And her hard work paid off. She scored the highest score possible - Pass With Distinction.

We are proud of her. She worked hard and didn't quit. It was great to see her succeed after such an effort. But even better was the opportunity to see her last weekend in the ballet recital. She was so elegant and graceful. It was amazing to see my little girl growing up.

Mission Safari December 2005 Update

We are entering our favorite month in the year - December. As we drove to the coast this weekend for our vacation, we played only Christmas music on the way. One of the songs that really stuck in my mind was "Go Tell it on the Mountain." It is an exhortation to go and tell the Good News! And when you think about life, and how short it can be with so much tragedy, mischief, disappointment, and discouragement, it is hard to remember that there is any good news at all. But the Bible is full of promise, expectation, and fulfillment of Good News.

With this in mind, we want this email update to be about good news. And so, let me share with you some exciting developments and news.

First, Sarah just received word that she passed her ballet exams from the Royal Academy of Dance (based in the UK) with the highest marks - Pass with Distinction. We are proud of her hard work and perserverance.

Second, I am the new Clinical Director of Emergency Medicine and Family Medicine at A.K. University Hospital in Nairobi. It is a faculty position at this hospital that is one of the best in all of East Africa. We are amazed at how the details came together. More amazingly is the opportunity it provides to further my involvement with young Kenyan doctors and residents. Not only will I have opportunity for discipleship but also evangelism as there are many who are Muslim and Hindu in this program. We see it as a wonderful blend of my past experiences and our future goals of ministry here.

Third, as we traveled to the coast and settled into our vacation, Marti and I both realized how much we have grown and processed this past calendar year. Just one year ago we were wrecks emotionally. We had no idea how we would ever survive. But not only did we survive but we see evidence that we are thriving. We are so thankful for how God really does preserve and sustain. He is a Mighty and Awesome God.

Fourth, the Referendum here in Kenya went off peacefully. We are thankful that there was no election fraud or violence.

Fifth, we have been given permission to return home next summer for our Home Mission Assignment. We will be in the U.S. for only 12 weeks. We will not be able to visit all of our supporting churches but we are working hard to put together our schedule. We have already arranged for 9 of our 12 weekends. We will keep people posted on our geographical location. And, on top of that, we have already been offered a place to stay rent free while we are home.

So, with that we will conclude our update with just a few brief requests. Thanks so much for the vital part you play in supporting us through prayer and finances. We believe we have one of the best support teams available.

Merry Christmas,

Tim for all of us.