Care Packages...

Before we left the States we told many of you that we would let you know things that would be good to send in care packages. Well, we have been gone for six months now and we have a good idea of what we can and can't get, what we miss, and what is just super spendy here.

So, for those of you who wanted to know what you could send, there is now a link to the right >>> that says 'Care Packages', click on it and you will find a list of ideas. Thanks for asking.

Love,
Jim, Tania, Grace, and Josh

(I've realized I haven't posted many pictures (of us), I will work on that!)


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A Quick Fire Update...

It is very smokey today. Every now and then we hear a helicopter roar overhead. However, the fires are not very close. A web page has been set up for fire updates around the Wycliffe / Equip grounds which we are keeping an eye on.
Thank you to all who have emailed. We will keep you guys posted.

Oh, and...
Happy Valentines Day!!!
Love, the Kenners

Here is a picture I took later in the afternoon as we were driving home.

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Our class picture...

Here is the lot of us (save for those working in sensitive countries - they are not in the photo)

We are an international bunch. There are students and teachers here from all around the world... Australia, US, Canada, Finland, Germany, Indonesia, Vanuatu, Asia, and more. Such a mix makes classes really interesting.

I believe you can see an enlargement of the photo by clicking on it.

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Pictures of Victoria's Fires...

It looks like we are out of danger for now. Fires are still burning, but the wind is not blowing them in our direction. Here is a link if you want to see more pictures >>> Click here



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Suffering in the aftermath of the Firestorm

The worst bushfires in Australian history have left families all over Victoria grieving. Please pray for them. The fire stormed so fast that some people had no warning to escape. Many only had 5 minutes from the time they saw the fire was coming until it engulfed their homes. Homes were burnt to the ground in a matter of minutes and all that is left is corrugated tin roofing, and brick chimneys. Many were caught on the road trying to escape the fires. So far we know that hundreds of people have lost their homes, 108 have lost their lives, and the hospitals are full of burn victims. Fire crews that have been working around the clock are finally getting relief.
We are fine. We thank the Lord the fires did not reach us here. They were close. We saw the smoke was not very far off, but we didn't think much else of it other than to make sure the we all knew where to go if the fire came. So many people were caught by surprise. Our hearts hurt for them.
We will be praying for the families that have lost loved ones, lost homes, for the crews that are still fighting fires, and the support personnel that are caring for the people that have lost so much. Please join us in praying for them. The Lord has brought cool weather, and for that we thank Him. I pray that in the midst of this tragedy that people will be drawn to Him for comfort.
Ok, I have to go... I am going to be late for class. - Thanks for praying with us.

Under His Wing,
Tania


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Bushfires

Just in case the U.S. stations are reporting on what is happening here, we want to give you guys an update and let you know we are okay.

Bushfires have been ravaging the state of Victoria where we are living. The fires were very close today. Huge clouds of yellow, gray smoke filled the sky to the north of us. There are fires burning within 15 - 20 miles of us in several directions. Some nearby communities have been evacuated. Fourteen people have died, there may be as many as forty. Many people, at least 100 families, have lost their homes.
Equip has a fireplan in place. We are keeping an eye on the alert system and the news. Please pray for favorable weather, that the firefighters can get these fires under control, and for the families that have lost there homes.

An interesting note -
Today was the hottest day on record EVER in this area (since they started keeping records anyway). It was insane hot... 116 degrees. Just standing outside felt like standing next to a bonfire, except the heat was on all sides. The wind was hot, like a convection oven. The heat has been wreaking havoc on this area. It isn't normally so hot.


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Grace & Josh Start School

Can you believe, the school year starts with camp! I don't know about you, but that was not the way it worked for us. Bright and early this morning we took Grace and Josh to the school grounds just down the road. There was a short Monday morning assembly and then they piled their stuff on a bus and were off. They will be gone two nights at a place called Camp Rumbug - canoeing, swimming, and abseiling (Aussie for 'repelling'). What a great way to start the year and make new friends!

As for Jim and I... we have been slammed with classes and homework. As a matter of fact, I have a case study I need to get to work on, audio files and data books that need to be submitted, and a language research project I need to think about. Not to mention dishes and laundry (Grace and Josh are such great helpers, what am I going to do without them?) Just wanted to give you a quick update.

Thanks for your much needed prayers! =) I will try to post some pictures next time.

ONE MORE THING BEFORE I SIGN OFF...

The Anthropology staff has arranged for us to make a trip to observe the prayers at a local Mosque this Wednesday afternoon. As part of the this course we have been observing the culture of other religions. Last time it was a trip to a Coptic Orthodox Church - very interesting and we learned a ton.

We would especially appreciate prayers for this trip. Please pray - above all for a good testimony, also that we would be received well, and that this would be a productive learning experience.

Thanks, we will try to get a chance to tell you how it goes.


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