Starehe Children’s Home
February 18, 2009
After 9 months in Canada Rhonda finally had opportunity to return to Starehe and visit with the children and staff. With tremendous excitement and cheer we were greeted as we made our way through the main gates. With emotions high and tears flowing freely we had occasion to hug, talk and answer questions. It was, of course, a very difficult time as we had to explain that we were not able to stay and continue working at Starehe but were returning to Canada due to health reasons for “Mama” Rhonda.
Through hard work, kindness, love and a fair hand Rhonda earned deserved respect from both children and staff. God has worked and allowed both Rhonda and I, and indeed our whole family, to grow in character as we’ve learnt to practically put others’ needs before ours. Our experience in Africa has clearly shown us the tremendous needs of the individual person and child, and how notably impacting and timely the actions and responses from attentive Christians can be. Very plainly God can look after “the many” when we choose and commit to get involved in a “single” life. It is a biblical promise with wonderfully exponential consequences!
In the same way we have seen the promises of God fulfilled as He provided for our needs as we dedicated our selves, in obedience, to go and take up the work at Starehe. In our privileged front row post we witnessed God’s providence worked out throughout our African ministry, and now extending to our return home expenses through supporting churches, friends and family. We certainly what to take this time to say THANK YOU to everyone who prayerfully committed our family and ministry to their hearts. And to those who committed and faithfully sent financial support in partnership – helping us do God’s work at Starehe. We also wanted to take time to say THANK YOU to those from all parts of the world who extended their friendship to us and helped us through some very difficult times. We are especially grateful to our missionary friends in East Africa and Mwanza, who from the very beginning opened their lives to our family and supported us in love. We now have new friends – bothers and sisters – in an eternal family. What an awesome benefit to our missionary experience.
In immense gratitude we humbly report all the funds required for our family’s repatriation to Canada have come in. No further support is required. It is again appropriate to express our thanks to Mill Wood’s Assembly, our home church, for their overarching support and to friends and family who have munificently helped.
Prayer Requests:
Rhonda: For Rhonda as we continue to seek medical advise to determine the root cause for her health concerns.
Michael: That Michael will carry on working hard at RVA and commit to finishing well before he graduates in July of this year. For his health and safety as he remains in Kenya.
Ashley: We are grateful she has been able to make new friends and re-connect with old ones since returning. We are also happy she is getting involved more at school and recently has made the badminton team.
Ryan: He as started his second term at Concordia University and is doing well even with an increased course load. He continues to work part time and seems to be maintaining a good balance between school and work.
Starehe: Let’s remember the needs of the children and the ongoing support required for food, health, schooling and other general operational costs. We pray that other fundamental needs for the children will ultimately be meet with the implementation of de-institutionalization programs such as a House Mothers’ Care Program.
Dedicated to His Service,
Trent, Rhonda, Ryan, Michael & Ashley
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December 5, 2008
Greetings to all from Edmonton! It has taken longer than normal to send out another newsletter and we are sorry for that. Since arriving to Edmonton in early September, Ashley and I have had a whirlwind of activity. We first reunited with Rhonda and Ryan and enjoyed some special time together even with Rhonda being in hospital at the time. Reverse culture shock hit us as we enjoyed all over again such amenities as drinkable water from the tap, side walks, traffic control lights, a choice of more than just one grocery store in the city and relative sanity when driving down the street. Oh yes, and the odd fast food joint like Tim’s…For Ashley the first order of business was to get her registered for grade 10 in high school. We arrive about 4 days after the start of school and had some struggles getting her into a good school. We are grateful she was able to eventually get into my old high school although it was not Ashley’s first choice since several of her old junior high friends were going to another school that was already full. We are also very appreciative of our good friends Roy and Sue, both teachers, who helped tutor Ashley to bring her up to speed especially in math.About 5 weeks after arriving home, Rhonda was able to leave the hospital and we all huddled together at Rhonda’s parent’s place until the beginning of November. We also want to pass along our deepest thanks to Joe and Jeanette for taking us in and caring so unselfishly for us while we prayerfully waited for future plans and direction. Not that we have been idle; since being on home assignment we have visited with many friends, supporters and churches. In addition, we have had opportunities to connect with Mission Link and PAOC IMD executive.
With the consent of Mission Link and PAOC IMD, we have asked to be placed on extended leave from our ministry duties in Tanzania and with Starehe Children’s Home. This decision was most difficult. It means our family will be moving back to Edmonton since we do not see a resolution to Rhonda’s various health conditions for the foreseeable future. By taking this step it clearly allows a way forward to recruit new missionary workers for Starehe – this is imperative for Starehe and the children there. This decision to take extended leave also removes the pressure from our family to return before Rhonda is fully restored to health again – something atop of our greatest prayer list for all of you.
Although a shock to all of us, we are at peace with this new direct and thank God for the comfort and settled understanding He has brought to our hearts. Isaiah 30:15 says “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength”. Our strength is in the Lord, and tormented thought or strained effort brings no peace, but this only comes in quietness and trust – since we know our portion is in Him.
Our official status as active missionaries will end December 31, 2008. In late December we will return to Tanzania to close out our affairs including selling most of our furniture, packing those things we wish to return to Edmonton and then coming back later in January. Of course, we will also have opportunity to say goodbye to the children of Starehe and other good friends we have come to know.
Prayer Requests:
Continued Support for Repatriation: Our costs for complete repatriation to Canada are heavy. Please pray for the Lord’s provision. Under the PAOC shared funding model we are responsible to raise the funds for 100% of our expenses.
Rhonda: For Rhonda as we continue to seek medical advice to determine the root cause for her health concerns and for her emotional comfort as her heart is breaking for not being able to return to the children of Starehe.
Michael: Praise God Mike has been granted permission to remain in Kenya to finish out his final year of high school! Although being so far apart will be very difficult for all of us, we are grateful he will be coming home in December so we can all be together again for Christmas. Michael will be able to graduate in July of 2009 and then return to Edmonton.
Ashley: Her heart also breaks because she has left wonderful friends at RVA. If she could she would return in a heart beat to continue her schooling – as with all of our children, they fell in love with Africa, their school and their missionary buddies. Please pray for her as she transitions into a new high school system that is very different – and that she would find and make good and strong new friends. Also, we pray that she would be able to return to RVA in July, for Michael’s graduation, as this would allow her to say good-bye to her friends.
Ryan: He has done exceeding well in his first term at Concordia University and is looking forward to his second. He is also enjoying part-time work and earning his own money. We are very proud to see his commitment to continue to serve God and set a Godly example as he learns to live more independently.
Trent: For Trent to find secure new work and to find the emotional strength to also transition his heart to a new start – a new beginning in Edmonton. To be able to make wise plans and coordinate the logistics for moving back and re-establishing all the things necessary for house, transportation and work.
New Missionary Workers for Starehe: Perhaps more than anything else, let us all commit to prayer for new workers to hear the call of God and step forward in obedience to serve at Starehe. This whole missions effort is all about Starehe’s children – and God’s love and compassion for them.
Dedicated to His Service,
Trent, Rhonda, Ryan, Michael & Ashley
Contact Options for Trent:
New phone number in Edmonton: 780-761-5180
E-mail: tlipinski@paoc.org
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August 2008
We are so very pleased to announce Ryan’s graduation from Rift Valley Academy (RVA) in Kenya. Rhonda and I are so very proud of Ryan’s efforts both academically, spiritually and in his sporting interests. You might remember initially Ryan was unable to gain acceptance into RVA because there was no available boarding space – forcing Ryan to begin “home schooling” with his mom to start his 11th year of school. It was not exactly the happiest of times but Ryan had a great attitude towards the whole incident as he was quickly falling in love with his African experience.
By God’s Grace and plan, a space did open up for Ryan only six weeks later and so Ryan was able to join his brother and sister at RVA. We were thrilled by this turn of events although Rhonda was somewhat disappointed as she was secretly hoping to have had another shot at some high school courses.
Ryan has since returned to Edmonton with his mom where he will begin a Bachelor’s of Arts program at Concordia University College in September. In the mean time, he’s been applying for part-time work, resettling into the “very fast pace” – he says, of the city and connecting with some old friends.
For some Starehe updates, we jump back across the world for a moment re the progress being made at Starehe’s site manager’s house. Construction is on schedule for an early September completion – praise the Lord.
We have also completed the first dormitory renovation greatly improving the washroom/shower facilities for the girls and room preparation for House Mothers. The next dorm renovations have already started.
The last update for this August segment will report on a short home assignment trip for me. With the health struggles and trials of having Rhonda back in Edmonton for over 4 months already this year I am very grateful to report I have been granted leave to be able to be with Rhonda in Edmonton. We simply have spent too much time apart adding to our overall strain quota. I’ll be arriving in Edmonton early September and the Lord willing, Rhonda and I will be able to return to Tanzania in early October. We are looking forward to spending some down time together off continental Africa and also spend some time connecting face to face with partnering churches, friends and family.
As a special prayer request, we ask for you to remember Michael and Ashley who will remain in Kenya for schooling while the rest of our family is back in Edmonton. Although this is only for about 4 weeks, we ask for your prayers for their safety, for peace of mind and for a good start to their school year.
Prayer Requests:
Children’s Schooling: For Michael and Ashley as they begin their next year of boarding school at RVA. In September Michael begins his senior year and Ashley starts grade 10.
House Mothers: Please pray for God’s leading as we continue the search for widows who can minister and fulfill the role of a consistent parental figure to Starehe’s children.
Ryan: As he returns home to Edmonton for post-secondary studies: that he might resettle and stay strong in the Lord as he moves into more independent living.
Health & Safety: Please continue to pray for Rhonda and for a special strength and recovery from the Lord, for safety for all of our travels to and from the field, and for Michael and Ashley, as they remain in Africa.
Support: Due to the many health issues, extra flights, and partial health insurance coverage on certain expenses, we are unfortunately estimating an approximate short fall of $4,500.00 for our 2008 budget. In faith we are trusting in the Lord for his provision to help cover these costs.
Dedicated to His Service,
Trent, Rhonda, Ryan, Michael & Ashley
June:
In this report we’d like to update you on a couple of projects which over the last while so many of you have been following, pray with us about and supporting financially.
Very good progress has been made since the start of the construction on May 26th. The Lord willing, if everything remains on schedule, the house will be ready by about mid September. Fredrick, our Site Manager is excited about moving in so he can spend more time at Starehe, not only doing his job, but also getting to know the children better.
The next project involves renovations to existing dormitories / buildings to accommodate our plans for House Mothers. In this regard, work has begun on Starehe’s oldest building. Some of you might remember it in the past being used as a dispensary and then later used as a computer lab. The new plans will see this building turned into a dormitory for up to 20 children and 2 House Mothers. All our renovations are including wheelchair access since we have 3 special needs children currently requiring such accommodations. Since this building is the oldest on site (about 22 years), incorporated into the restoration will be a new roof.
The completion date for this first dormitory is set for the early part of August. Once ready, we will move all the older girls into this new house from their existing dorm (the second oldest building on site – about 20 years old) and begin similar rehabilitation work on that building. Renovations to all 3 structures should be completed by November, at which time we are hoping all our House Mothers will be hired, trained and ready to begin their ministry work at Starehe.
Lastly, a quick update on Rhonda; after 3 months back in Edmonton she has gone through a remarkable amount of improvement. We are very thankful for this and for everyone’s prayers and help while she was back in Edmonton. Rhonda returns to Nairobi in a few days (yes I’ve been counting them down) where together as a family we will delight in Ryan’s graduation ceremony at RVA. After only a short 3 weeks; however, Rhonda and Ryan will return to Edmonton where Rhonda will help Ryan resettle and prepare for university in the fall.
Prayer Requests:
House Mothers: please pray for God’s leading as we begin the search for widows who can minister and fulfill the role of a consistent parental figure to our children.
Ryan: As he returns home to Edmonton for post-secondary studies: that he might resettle well and stay strong in the Lord as he moves into more independent living.
Michael: The recent death of his best friend in Edmonton has hit Michael very hard. Please pray for God’s strength and comfort for our good friends in Edmonton who have lost their beloved son.
Health & Safety: please continue to pray for Rhonda and for a special strength and recovery from the Lord, and for a wonderful time of family reunion over the next several weeks.
Dedicated to His Service,
Trent, Rhonda, Ryan, Michael & Ashley
May 2008
To say the least, a lot has happened over the last couple of months since our last newsletter at Easter. As you’ll remember, we mentioned in our “Prayer Requests” that it was very likely Rhonda would be heading back to Edmonton to seek medical attention from new doctors and have some rest and recovery time away from Africa. This is indeed what has happened and currently Rhonda is receiving medical care at the U of A Hospital in Edmonton. As of this newsletter, all the tests results have come back. Rhonda has been diagnosed as suffering from stress and depression as a result of her on going headaches and body pain. However, the test results have shown that the medications she was put on by the doctors in Nairobi have now negatively impacted and contributed to her current condition. Initially these medicines were given for the treatment of her original physical conditions (cerebral malaria & Lyme disease) but now theses same medications have become problematical.
The doctors in Edmonton are saying her headaches and body aches are currently being caused by a combination of too many drugs that result in “rebound” headaches and are also the root cause of her body pain. Slowly, they are now taking Rhonda off these medications and hopefully in about a week or two she will be able to get out of hospital and then stay with her mom and dad for further recovery.
This new diagnosis may seem a little shocking especially since her original illnesses were so effectively physical in nature. But, unknowingly, as we strived with the Nairobi doctors to find resolution to the pain by trying different medications and varying the doses, Rhonda’s symptoms transitioned from being mostly physical to being mostly medication related. Having Rhonda come home has been the best thing for her as it had become very clear the doctors in Nairobi had reached the end of their abilities to help.
With Rhonda’s suffering from acute stress and depression, her mom flew out to Kenya in April so as to help Rhonda travel back to Edmonton. For this I can not express a deeper gratitude to Jeanette and Joe. I also thank my mom and dad and my sister and brother-in-law for their help and support in this very difficult journey for Rhonda.
Although this is the first time we have been able to send out a general update on Rhonda, we are still so very appreciative of all the prayer that has gone up for us and for the support of so many friend and family. Rhonda has expressed her gratitude to all those who have been visiting her in hospital and for buying her so many “Booster Juices” – she loves the Mango Hurricanes by the way:o)
Our prayer and hope is that Rhonda will be able to return to Tanzania in early July for Ryan’s graduation and then, as per our original plans, she would again return to Edmonton and help Ryan get set up for starting Concordia University in the fall to begin his Bachelor’s of Arts studies. At this same time it was also hoped Rhonda would be able to visit all our supporting and partnering churches but these visits are now very uncertain. We can only trust and ask for your patience as we hoped to make personal visits this summer but now we have to wait to see how Rhonda is doing in August.
The doctors are now saying it could take up to a year for Rhonda to fully recover. This in itself is difficult for all of us to hear. Still, we are so thankful for the obvious improvements with her since returning to Edmonton. We can only ask you for your continued prayers and support. Not only for Rhonda but also for Ryan, Michael and Ashley who remain hard working at boarding school just out side of Nairobi. And for me, as I look out and now see my family spread out across half the world. It has sent me searching God’s word for understanding and I believe 1 Peter 1: 3-7 has helped me personally to keep perspective and remain strong in Him.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
Now, just before signing off, please let me introduce you to Starehe’s Site Manager: Mr. Fredrick Matuja. He come to us from a well established local Christian church in Mwanza and is engaged to be married he in about 1 year. We are thrilled and thank God to have Fredrick join our management team and ask for your prayers for him as he begins to take on his responsibilities at Starehe.
Prayer Requests:
Site Manager: this has turned into a praise report and we thank the Lord for answered prayer.
House Mother’s: please also pray for God’s leading as we begin the search for widows who can minister and fulfill the role of a parental figure to our Children.
Nursery School: pray God’s blessing and strength as we begin to provide quality and professional education not only to Starehe children but as well to our community.
Special Needs Children: God continues to bring children of special needs to Starehe so we ask for wisdom and guidance in how best to care for and raise these children in the third world.
Health & Safety: please continue to pray for Rhonda and for a special strength and comfort from the Lord, and for Ryan, Michael, Ashley and me during this time of being apart.
Dedicated to His Service,
Trent, Rhonda, Ryan, Michael & Ashley �