John's House

Many of you read our newsletter this past summer about our friend John, whose house burned down. In fact, we were touched by people’s responses and some sent money to help John get back on his feet again.

This past Saturday we had the opportunity to go up to John’s new house and help with some of the building. In addition to our family, the group consisted of our friend Jenny, another staff member – Bob, and his son, as well as some high school boys.

The men and boys got to right to work on the construction. John and his wife Nancy have taken in several foster boys, affected by the 2007 Political Clashes. The building they were working on is a room for the boys to sleep in. The tin sides and roof were already up (and the boys already sleeping in the structure) but it was drafty and cold at night, so the plan was to insulate it with plywood.

While the boys worked, Jenny and the kids and I visited with Nancy and her two daughters. The oldest daughter, Caroline, is 5 years old and disabled. She was born a happy, healthy baby, but at the age of 1.5 years old she got very sick with a fever. When taken to the hospital, the Dr. ordered a spinal tap. She went into a coma and when she awoke, was never the same. John and Nancy believe it was a faulty spinal procedure.  She has limited use of her right side and hardly any use of her left. They used to do physical therapy every day, but it grew expensive, so Nancy learned what to do and took over. But then the house burned down, the new baby arrived early and life got really busy. The few things they had in their house that enabled Caroline to sit and stand were burned up.

We spent our time visiting with Nancy, playing with Caroline and new baby Anna, giving pedicures to them (Megan really wanted Anna to have one too, but Nancy declined!) and we prayed with them when we left.

Our hearts ache for a family with so many burdens to bear, living in a country that does not have resources or tolerance for a child with special needs. Yet I would hard-pressed to find a couple that shines Jesus more brightly in their community than John and Nancy.