First of all: our apologies for taking so long to update.

We are back in Minnesota!

And somehow, after a year that felt both long and short, we are home.

Our last weeks at Tenwek were FULL. Full of finishing, celebrating, squeezing in one more adventure, and more than anything: saying goodbye.

The kids finished up their homeschool and co-op year, we managed to squeeze in one more safari, and we had the great privilege of helping finish up a new playroom at Tenwek Hospital.

Our dear friends and fellow missionaries, Ryan and Andrea, dreamed of a space where hospitalized children could do the work of children—play. A place where kids could leave the confines of their hospital beds for a little while and imagine, create, explore, laugh, and simply be kids.

They named it ‘Chumba cha Furaha’ which is Kiswahili for ‘Room of Joy’. It is such a thoughtfully beautiful and intentional space, and we know it will be a healing place for so many children and families at Tenwek. It will also be used by the pediatric physical therapy team during treatment sessions.

Ryan and Andrea, thank you for tirelessly advocating for the children and families of Tenwek Hospital, and for inviting us to play even the tiniest part in bringing your vision to life. We are so grateful we got to be there for this part of the story.

And then there were the goodbyes.

Woof.

I ugly-cried whenever someone remotely looked in my direction for weeks. Apparently, after a year of living in a place and loving people deeply, saying goodbye is not something one can do with dignity.

Our Kenyan friends, colleagues, and neighbors taught us a lot about the art of the ‘good goodbye’; complete with lots of cake and lots of speeches.

(Like, lots of speeches.)

There is something incredibly beautiful about the way Kenyans speak love directly into the people around them, and I felt strongly that I was supposed to learn from them on this. They don’t shy away from saying the things we sometimes decide to leave unsaid. They tell you exactly what you have meant to them. They encourage you, bless you, and pray for you. They make you cry in front of an entire room full of people.

We were so, so blessed.

To our missionary family: you know who you are. You are one of a kind. Selfless. Faithful. Generous with your time, your homes, your wisdom, your laughter, and your lives. Thank you for quietly showing us the way this year. Thank you for answering our questions, welcoming our chaos, doing life in rural Kenya with us, laughing with us, praying with us, and reminding us again and again what it looks like to faithfully say yes.

And then in true Esser fashion, we headed home the long way.

A 23-hour stopover in Cairo gave us just enough time to see the pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Grand Egyptian Museum. Then came Barcelona, Paris, Grindelwald, Monterosso, Pompeii, and Rome.

We hit it all during a heat wave.

There were approximately 1,400 gelatos enjoyed.

The kids’ college funds took a significant hit.

And then came the final leg home. Rome → MSP → DLH.

After months of anticipation, we walked out of the Duluth airport just before midnight expecting nothing more than a quiet ride home. But instead, there stood my parents, my sister and nephew, and some dear friends all waiting to surprise us.

And just like that, we were home. Somehow, for all six of us, stepping back into the home we left over a year ago, felt as though we’d only been gone a week or two. Time is weird.

This year has changed us in ways we are still figuring out. We came to Kenya expecting to serve, to learn, and to help where we could. We are so grateful we were able to do those things.

But we received far more than we were able to give.

We were welcomed with open arms. We were challenged, stretched, and loved. Somewhere along the way, Kenya became home to us too. This isn’t the end of the Esser Safari; it’s just the end of the first chapter. There will be future trips, adventures, and projects to share.

Thank you for coming with us this year: for reading, praying, encouraging, giving, asking questions, cheering us on, and making us feel like we weren’t doing this alone.

We are so grateful.

Until the next adventure: mbarikiwe sana! Many blessings to you.

Kim

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. - Psalm 126:3

Overall, her recovery has gone very smoothly. We have had the privilege of visiting her often and watching, day by day, as her pain subsided and her strength returned. We’ve seen her smile come back, her energy grow, and her determination shine through. It has been amazing to watch this young woman, who has carried so much, begin to heal.

Last week, Grace was discharged from the Cardiothoracic Centre and is now staying at Mustard Seed House with her mom while her doctors continue to adjust her blood thinning medication to reach the right therapeutic levels. Once those levels are stable, she will be able to return home!

Grace wanted the chance to personally say thank you to everyone who helped make this surgery possible. She told me, “I wish I could travel to America and thank everyone myself!” While this video will have to do for now, we hope you can feel the gratitude and joy behind her words.

A sweet glimpse into Grace’s heart came last week during one of our visits when she told us she wants to become a heart doctor when she grows up. After experiencing the gift of skilled hands and many compassionate hearts caring for her for so many years, she now dreams of one day doing the same for someone else.

Grace’s story is possible because so many people chose to show up for one person: not because you knew her, but simply because you cared. People who have never met Grace and her family, from thousands of miles away, have now become part of her story.

Behind one changed life are countless acts of love and generosity: the brilliant medical teams here at Tenwek, our dear friends at FaithAid Kenya, our loving family and friends who supported us, and every person who prayed, encouraged, gave, or shared her story. We are deeply grateful for every person who helped give Grace the gift of a new beginning.

Here at the CTC, there is a waiting list of hundreds of patients hoping for life changing cardiac surgery. When you look at numbers like that, it can feel impossible. The need is enormous. The stories are endless. The work can feel overwhelming.

But Grace reminds us that every number is a person.

One heart. One soul. One child. One young person who deserves the chance to live a long, full life.

Thank you for helping make that possible for Grace. Thank you for choosing to show up, for believing that one life matters, and for being part of a story that is far bigger than any of us could have imagined.

Our family has been so grateful and forever changed to watch Grace heal, dream, and begin the second chance at life that she’s been given .

But Grace’s story is not the only one.

There are hundreds of other children and young people here at Tenwek waiting for their own chance. Waiting for someone to see beyond the statistic, the diagnosis, and the overwhelming need. To see the child of God that they are.

If you or someone you know feel led to help another child like Grace receive life-saving cardiac care, you can come alongside our friends at FaithAid through the HEAL Every Heart program. Every cent goes directly toward making this care possible for these precious people.

https://faithaid.org/programs/heal

Scroll down to “HEAL Every Heart”, and click DONATE.

Thank you for reminding us that one life matters.

Because behind every number is a person. And every heart matters.

With so much gratitude,

Kim

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26

_{*All photos taken and used with permission}

In just over 48 hours, more than $10,000 USD was raised through the generosity of friends, family, and even strangers who were moved by Grace’s story. We are still in awe of the outpouring of love and support shown to this precious girl and her family.

Because of your generosity, Grace was able to be admitted to the Tenwek Cardiothoracic Centre, and today she underwent her long awaited open heart surgery. She received a mechanical aortic valve, a mechanical mitral valve, a tricuspid valve repair, and a COX-Maze procedure. Tim had the privilege of being with her throughout the day, walking alongside her and her mama through this significant milestone.

Most importantly, we are thrilled to share that the surgery was successful!

Tonight, Grace is resting in the ICU, sedated and beginning the healing process. There is still a road of recovery ahead, but today we are celebrating this major victory and thanking God for carrying her through.

This has been a powerful reminder to our family of what can happen when people come together in prayer, generosity, and faith. We give God all the glory for the way He has provided through each of you. Your gifts, prayers, messages, and encouragement have made a real and tangible difference in Grace’s life.

Thank you for standing with Grace and her family during this journey. We know many of you are eagerly following her progress, and we will be sure to share another update in a few days when she is awake.

For now we rejoice, give thanks, and continue to pray for healing in the days ahead.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory…”

- Ephesians 3:20-21

We first met Grace and her mom 2 months ago on the high dependency unit at Tenwek during our weekly visits. She had arrived from 6 hours away in Kakamega County, Kenya after yet another hospitalization and it was clear that every breath she took took extreme effort. Her big, brown eyes shone in the dim light of a busy hospital ward in the late afternoon and she assured us through labored breathing, “I am feeling well,” every time we came to visit. Since arriving to Tenwek to await surgery, she has already required another admission to the ICU. Watching this young girl fight so hard simply to breathe is difficult to watch.

Grace was a typical, healthy child until 2019 when she developed rheumatic fever from a strep throat infection that went undetected and untreated. By the year 2020, she was diagnosed with heart failure caused by severe rheumatic heart disease. In the past five years, she has been hospitalized more than fifteen times for episodes of decompensated heart failure.

Today, Grace urgently needs surgery to replace two, and possibly three, damaged heart valves. The good news is that this surgery can change the course of Grace’s life. Her doctors believe valve replacement surgery offers her the opportunity to return to school, regain her strength, and look forward to a future that has been repeatedly interrupted by illness. Without this operation, her heart will continue to fail and she will not survive.

Grace lives with her mom and younger brother. Her mom worked as a security guard until Grace became so ill that she had to leave her job to care for her full time. Like many families facing serious illness, they have already sacrificed greatly. Grace’s family has raised 60,000 Kenyan shillings (about $500 USD) toward the life saving surgery she so desperately needs. We are grateful for additional assistance through SHA (Kenyan medical insurance), Tenwek Cardiac Compassion Funds, and funds from our dear friends at Faith Aid Kenya. Even with this significant support, there is still a remaining need of approximately $6,000 USD before surgery can move forward.

Grace is a force. She is a bright young woman with dreams for a future, a beautiful smile, and a deep faith in Jesus. We want her to have the opportunity to live the full, joyful life that every 15 year old deserves; the chance to grow up, pursue her dreams, and discover all that God has planned for her.

We are humbly asking our friends and family to consider helping us close this gap. Every gift, no matter the size, will go directly toward Grace’s hospital bill and lifesaving surgery.

We know there are many needs in this world, but today we are asking you to consider helping this beautiful young girl have the chance to keep living, growing, and dreaming. For over 5 years, Grace’s family has done everything they can. Her mother left her job to care for her. They have traveled countless miles seeking treatment. Friends, family, churches, and charitable organizations have stepped in in big ways to help. Now we are asking for one final push to help get Grace to surgery.

If you would like to help, donations can be made directly to Grace’s FaithAid Fund at the link below:

Grace's FaithAid Fund

If you are unable to give, we would be grateful if you would share Grace’s story and pray for her, for her family, and for the medical teams at Tenwek Hospital and the Cardiothoracic Centre who are caring so well for her.

Thank you for loving others so generously. We will be sure to update you on her progress soon!

With gratitude,

Kim, Tim & the kids

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” - Galatians 6:2

*All photos taken and shared with permission.

Last weekend, I (Kim) had the opportunity to volunteer in a very small way at a free cervical cancer screening day at Tenwek Hospital. The team here has been faithfully hosting these important outreach days for years. In Kenya, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among woman, with roughly 5,800 new cases and 3,600 deaths each year. The majority of cervical cancer deaths worldwide occur in low and middle-income countries, where access to routine screening is limited.

The day was coordinated by an incredible group of people from OB/GYN, Maternal-Child Health, Lab, and the HIV program. Every person had a role, and together they created a place where women were treated with dignity, compassion, and excellent care.

The process was comprehensive and thoughtful from beginning to end. Women first registered, had blood pressure and blood sugar checks, received HIV screening and testing if indicated, attended an educational session about women’s health, and received spiritual counseling with Pastor Wiliter. They learned about signs and symptoms to watch for, the importance of early treatment, and about the great importance of vaccinating their daughters and granddaughters against HPV.

The actual cervical cancer screening used VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid). Acetic acid (white vinegar you’d find in your kitchen) is applied to the cervix, and abnormal or precancerous cells temporarily turn white when exposed to it. It’s a simple, low-cost screening tool that can literally save lives, especially in places where routine Pap smears are financially out of reach.

VIA screening is especially important in resource limited settings because women receive results immediately, rather than waiting weeks for Pap smear results. This is a huge advantage in places where transportation, finances, and follow up care can all be difficult, allowing treatment to begin much sooner. One of the remarkable things about cervical cancer is that is considered one of the most preventable cancers because precancerous changes can often be identified and treated before cancer develops.

Many cervical cancers are caused by HPV, and Kenya has been working toward vaccinating teens (ideally before age 15) with the HPV vaccine since 2019. Research done right here in Kenya helped show the world that even one dose of the HPV vaccine can provide very strong protection against the virus strains responsible for most cervical cancers. Prevention and early detection truly matter.

To put the cost barriers into perspective: a Pap smear here costs around 2,300 KSH ($18 USD), and a biopsy around 5,000 KSH ($40 USD). For many families, this can be overwhelming and unattainable. But during this screening day, funding was available to cover the full cost of all screenings, biopsies, return visits, and counseling for women who needed follow-up care.

In just five hours, from 8:30 to 1:30, 112 women were seen and screened in the clinic. Some women arrived to wait in line to be seen before 6:30am. By the end of the day, the total reached around 140 women between the ages of 21 and 65.

There were some difficult findings:

• two fairly strong positive screens with biopsies sent out,

• at least two suspicious endometrial biopsies sent out,

• and one woman referred to Tenwek’s surgical clinic for biopsy of a very large breast lump.

These numbers represent real women, real families, and real opportunities for earlier treatment that might not have happened otherwise. Some women at this screening day received life changing news early enough for treatment simply because financial barriers to screening and biopsy had been removed.

Another major component of the day was HIV screening and testing. This is integrated into the clinic because women living with HIV are at a higher risk for persistent HPV infection and cervical cancer.

One of the biggest changes in HIV care in Kenya over the past decade has been the move toward same-day testing and treatment. Remember the rapid tests we had for Covid? Similar rapid tests are available here for HIV. Women who tested positive were able to begin antiretroviral therapy free of charge that day instead of waiting weeks or months.

Kenya has made enormous progress in HIV treatment outcomes. According to Kenya’s Ministry of Health, about 98% of people living with HIV know their status and are on treatment, and around 94% have achieved viral suppression. This means the amount of virus in the blood becomes so low that it may not even be detectable on routine testing. Modern HIV treatment is so effective that people with sustained undetectable viral loads can live long, healthy lives.

The rapid HIV tests available here at Tenwek provide same day results, helping women begin counseling, support, and treatment much more quickly than in years past.

Days like this are a powerful reminder that healthcare is never just about procedures or diagnoses. It is also about dignity, compassion, presence, and the opportunity to care for people in moments of vulnerability and fear. I left grateful for the reminder that even simple interventions can have enormous impact.

At the same time, there is also a heaviness hanging over parts of Africa right now as healthcare workers continue monitoring concerns surrounding Ebola outbreaks in the region. We would deeply appreciate your prayers:

• for wisdom and protection for healthcare workers,

• for affected patients and containment of outbreaks,

• for adequate resources and staffing,

• and for peace for communities living with uncertainty and fear.

The kids! Our kids continue to live their very best lives here in Kenya. Tim and I remain so impressed by their curiosity, flexibility, and genuine engagement with the people and experiences around them. As our time here begins to wind down to just a few short weeks, we know we are all going to feel a lot of emotions about packing up and leaving.

I would especially ask for prayers for their hearts as they say many goodbyes over the next month and begin the transition back to life in the States in late July. I often remind them that it is a gift when your heart wants to be in two places at once; it means you have loved deeply.

The kids will finish their school year in just one more week! It’s hard to believe how quickly this season has gone.

I’ll leave you with a video of some favorite memories from the past few months, including: a Mt. Kenya climb for Tim, Sophie, Sally, Ryan, James and a dear friend, Stephen, from our Dartmouth days, visits from my brothers, Steve and Erik, time with our dear friends the Ingebrigtson family from Duluth, an amazing trip to the Kenyan coast, visits to Mustard Seed House, Umoja and Kitoben Children’s Homes, weekly Pediatric Ward ministry, and the beautiful work of daily life around Tenwek.

Press play below!

Thank you to all of our supporters who have prayed for us, encouraged us, and generously given during our time at Tenwek. Your kindness and support have made a real impact, and we are grateful to share that every donation has gone toward meaningful work and good deeds. We were recently made aware of one donation that was not directed into our fund as intended. If you donated and did not receive a personal email or letter from us, please reach out to Tim or I and let us know. We would love the opportunity to personally thank you and also ensure that your donation was directed to the proper cause.

And finally, it feels impossible to fully express our gratitude for this year. Serving, learning, and living here has been a profound gift to our entire family. We are deeply thankful for the people who have welcomed us, taught us, prayed for us, and walked alongside us during this season. The friendships and experiences from this year will remain with us long after we leave Kenya, and we know this season has changed us in lasting ways. Thank you for being part of this journey with us and for helping make this year possible. For now, we we will be soaking up our final weeks in this incredibly special place!

With love and gratitude,

Kim

There are trips that fill your camera roll… and then there are trips that mark your heart and stay etched on your soul forever. A recent 48 hour journey to Turkana County in northwestern Kenya was the latter: holy, humbling, and unforgettable.

This story really begins thousands of miles away.

Five generous girlfriends of mine from Duluth said “yes” to something small that became something very big. Together they donated over $700; exactly the amount I needed to fund the creation of 100 reusable menstrual hygiene kits. These kits were beautifully and skillfully made by graduates of the Threads of Hope program through Tenwek Community Health.

Quite a story lives behind each stitch.

Tenwek Community Health’s Threads of Hope program was developed in 2017; equipping vulnerable women with life changing skills in the hopes of breaking the cycle of poverty. Each year only 12 women are able to be selected from dozens of applicants. This year 43 women interviewed for those 12 spots. The program lasts 11 months, with women attending class three days a week to learn practical sewing skills they can then take back to their villages to earn money to support themselves and their families. They learn how to sew kitenge (colorful African cotton fabric) wrap skirts, aprons, petticoats, scrub caps, men’s shirts, and school uniforms.

The women’s capstone project is as meaningful as it is practical. An area orphanage is selected and each woman measures children and sews custom fit school uniforms for them.

The women I had the opportunity to greet while picking up the kits were extraordinary. Each carry the weight of providing for one to four children at home. Some walk 1 to 2 hours each way to attend class. One woman travels one hour by boda boda (motorbike) just to be there. These are women choosing courage, dignity, and a future different from their past.

Through the hands of just a few graduates of this amazing program, these 100 kits came to life very quickly.

Into Turkana

My dear friends, Andrea and Chaplain Joyce, and I set off on a whirlwind 48 hour trip to Turkana County; one of the most remote and underserved regions in Kenya. Turkana is known not only for its stark beauty but also for its deep challenges. Poverty levels remain among the highest in the country, with estimates often above 80%, and literacy rates significantly below the national average. Access to water, education, and basic healthcare remains limited for many families.

And yet! There is joy here. There is resilience. There is deep faith.

A Plate of Hope

One of our first stops was Chaplain Joyce and her husband, Rev. Paul’s, ‘A Plate of Hope’ ministry in the village of Nakutan. For Joyce, this is ‘coming home’. She grew up in nearby Lodwar and Rev. Paul was raised here in Nakutan.

Each Saturday, children from surrounding desert villages walk (often times long distances through the sand and 100+ degree heat) to gather for a simple but powerful gift: a meal, community, and the Gospel. On this particular Saturday, more than 130 precious children joined us for a celebration. We made a lot of little friends that afternoon.

They were served a warm meal of maize and beans, eaten together under the shade of a sturdy pole barn in the middle of the desert. But it was more than food. It was laughter, singing, dancing, snuggles, stickers, beads and the unmistakable joy of being seen and loved.

Water from the Dust

We visited their nearby borehole: the primary water source for many surrounding families and this weekly ministry.

This borehole is essentially a shallow well that taps into underground water. In areas like Turkana where rainfall is scarce, these are lifelines. Water is accessed from below the earth’s surface, in this case, completely by hand.

At this particular site, the reality was stark. Dirt and mud were pushed aside as children waited patiently for water to slowly collect, scooping it carefully into containers to be carried or dragged back to their homes.

Water here is not convenience. It is survival.

Queens of the Hills

Another unforgettable part of our journey was visiting Lomil Girls High School, operated by Kenya’s Ministry of Education, located over an hour from Lodwar town across the desert.

The students, girls in Form 2, 3, and 4 (roughly grades 10–12), come from across Turkana County. The school, established in 2018, sits surrounded by rolling hills. The girls proudly call themselves the ‘Queens of the Hills’.

And queens they are.

We had the honor of speaking with them about something both deeply practical and personal: their bodies, their health, and their futures.

We talked about menstruation, not as something to hide in shame, but as a sign of health, growth, and strength. We shared openly about how their bodies are designed by God with purpose and beauty.

We also spoke honestly about the challenges they face: how lack of access to menstrual products can cause girls all over Kenya to miss up to a week of school each month. Over time, that lost learning adds up significantly. Some girls fall behind and eventually leave school altogether, opening the door to early pregnancy, early marriage, or survival-based decisions no young girl should have to make.

We told them this truth:

Your education matters. You deserve to be in school every single day. And your period should never take that away from you.

We showed them how to use and care for the reusable kits we brought from Tenwek; kits that with proper care can last 3 to 5 years. A simple resource with the power to change the trajectory of a girls’ life.

There were a lot of giggles that afternoon, but also deep attentiveness. Some girls took notes on paper or even on their hands. They leaned in and listened.

We encouraged them to support one another, to ask questions, to hold each other accountable in caring for their bodies and for their new kits. We reminded them that their periods connect them to generations of women before them and that they can be the first in their families to graduate from high school and attend university.

These precious young women reminded me of a different kind of queen.

Like Queen Esther in the Bible, these girls have been placed where they are for such a time as this: with purpose, courage, and hope. Their stories and futures matter.

We asked them to care for themselves, to be kind to their bodies, and to walk toward their bright futures together.

A Trip We Will Never Forget

There are moments from this trip that will stay with Andrea and I forever: the sound of children singing before a meal, the determination in the eyes of women sewing hope for the future, the laughter of girls learning without shame, the quiet weight of watching someone wait for water to appear from the ground.

This was more than a trip. It was a glimpse of God at work in provision, in dignity, in community, and in hope.

To all of our new friends in Turkana: thank you for letting us come, learn, and be changed.

We will never forget you.

Love, Kim

Enjoy this 90 second clip of the trip! (Turn up your volume!)

Tracy had her second and third skin grafting surgeries in late October and mid-November. She healed so much over Christmas, and by mid-January she was ready to be discharged! During that time we noticed such a big change in her demeanor. Before, she often looked so sad. But as her body began to heal, so did her spirit. Leading up to her departure from Tenwek, you could tell she was so excited to finally go home after five + long months of recovery.

Tracy was discharged from the hospital on January 16th with her auntie and uncle, and she could not have looked happier. While we were sad to see her go, we were even more grateful for her recovery. Before she left, we promised we would come visit her.

We gave her a few weeks to settle back into normal life, but two weekends ago we were able to drive an hour to visit her family’s compound. The compound consists of four small cement huts; two for sleeping, one for cooking, and one that serves as a common living space. This is where her parents and grandmother used to live, and it is home to her aunties, uncles, and many cousins.

We brought soccer balls, bubbles, coloring supplies, beading materials, and nail polish with us, along with some shukas (Kenyan blankets). Many of her friends and cousins gathered to join in on the fun. Tracy proudly showed us around and even introduced us to her cow. The biggest highlight of the day was receiving a beautiful manicure from Tracy! We also had lunch together and enjoyed a beautiful day.

Visiting Tracy at her home reminded us just how far she has come and gave us so much hope for her continued recovery and journey.

Please continue to keep Tracy in your prayers as she adjusts to being back home and grows stronger each day!

Also, a few weeks ago I got to spend the morning at Korara School of the Blind, which is about 30 minutes away from Tenwek. Korara is a boarding school for the blind and visually impaired. I went with a missionary who has a water filter ministry and some friends. The goal was to check on the water filters at the school to make sure they were doing their job, but we ended up doing a bunch of other stuff too.

There are about 50 kids at Korara. Each one is either blind, visually impaired, or has another disability. The moment our car pulled up, the kids came out and greeted us, all of them wanting to shake our hands. Surprisingly, they all moved around easily despite not being able to see well. At Korara they pair up the kids: one who can see pretty well with one who can see almost nothing. Together they guide each other around. Its honestly humbling seeing them running around together.

We met with the head of the school who informed us that in just 5 minutes we would get to share a devotion, sing a song, and say a speech about ourselves. Keep in mind that we had come with absolutely nothing prepared, but we did it! We shared a message about hope which was perfect for the situation and ended up singing “Jesus Loves Me” to a crowd of 50 kids and their teachers.

We learned how to play bell ball, which is a designed for players who are blind or visually impaired. The ball has a bells inside so players can track it by sound. We had to close our eyes to be fair and we were not very good at it. You could tell that they were definitely not impressed by our skills.

During our time at Korara, we were reminded of the unique challenges some of the students face, including those living with albinism. Across Africa, albinism has often been misunderstood. Albinism is a genetic condition that reduces melanin in the skin, hair, and eyes. Because melanin also helps with eye development, many people with albinism have low vision and light sensitivity. In Kenya, the strong sun not only affects their eyesight, but also their skin. Being so close to the equator they are significantly more prone to skin cancer.

Historically in parts of Africa, harmful myths have surrounded albinism. Thankfully awareness has been growing over the years. Schools like Korara play an important role by providing a safe, loving environment where students with albinism and visual impairments can learn, grow, and thrive.

The kids we met at Korara face challenges that I can’t even imagine, but they still laugh, play, and learn every day. I left feeling grateful, inspired, and in awe of them. Visits like this make you realize that sometimes just being there and sharing a little joy can mean a lot.

Love, Sophie

“Time is long and life is short” is a line that came to me recently through the poet Ed Vedder, echoing the ancient aphorism of the Greek physician Hippocrates: “Ars longa, vita brevis”. The art is long, life is short. In simple terms: cherish the moment. Live fully. Remember what matters. It feels especially fitting as we stare down the final four months of our time in Kenya. Four months feels long until it doesn’t. It is enough time to do meaningful work. It is not enough time to do all the work. And for some of our patients, it is time they will never have.

December in the OR was relatively quiet. Spirits were high. Joy and celebration filled the hospital halls. January, however, arrived like a thunderstorm over the Masai Mara. The calm of the holidays evaporated. The wards filled with some of the sickest patients I have cared for. We operated nearly every day for weeks. There were 100-hour workweeks and 36 hour shifts. During one weekend call stretch, we treated three aortic dissections. The following week, four post-surgical patients required ECMO support in our ICU. There were remarkable saves. There were also losses.

One of the hardest realities of practicing at Tenwek is how late in the disease process many patients present. In the United States, there is a safety net. Babies are born in hospitals. Children attend routine checkups. Adults have annual physicals. Murmurs are heard early. Congenital heart defects are diagnosed in infancy. Valve disease is identified before heart failure sets in. That is not the reality for many here. We routinely see congenital heart disease in teenagers and adults who have lived for decades with abnormal blood flow. Patients with severe valve disease often present not because someone detected a murmur, but because they are already in Class IV heart failure. And we care for them in a resource-limited environment. Not every diagnostic test is available, not every medication can be obtained, and not every form of mechanical support exists.

The ethical tension is constant. How do you look a teenager in the eye and say: “without surgery, you will almost certainly die in the coming months but with surgery, there may be only a fifty percent chance you survive the week?” If we operate, some will die tomorrow. If we don’t operate, nearly all will die soon. The burden of choosing is heavy, especially when the patients are young. One of my goals in these remaining months is to help refine how we risk-stratify these patients and to better identify those who can truly benefit, while sparing those who are simply too far along. It is imperfect work. But it matters.

In February, I had the privilege of spending my birthday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with a Tenwek team launching the first cardiac surgeries at the Gesund Cardiac Clinic. Two surgeons, two perfusionists, and I traveled together to begin what we hope will be a sustainable program. Ethiopia has over 130 million people and currently only five cardiac surgeons. By comparison, our hometown of Duluth, Minnesota, has five cardiac surgeons. The disparity is staggering. Several Ethiopian trainees are currently in the Tenwek cardiac surgery fellowship. One goal of this trip was not simply to operate, but to help create a landing place for them to return and to build access for their own people. The gratitude of the patients was profound. The hospitality unforgettable. One of my favorite memories will be the meals gathered around a shared platter of injera, eating together, laughing, drinking coffee offered with pride and generosity. Community expressed in its simplest and most beautiful form.

In April I will get to travel with another Tenwek cardiac team to Malawi and we will share more in a future update.

After the intensity of January, our family was grateful for a week to explore South Africa with dear friends. We were swept up by the beauty of Cape Town and the Garden Route. We reconnected with family we hadn’t seen in years. The rest was necessary. The perspective grounding.

Life at Tenwek remains deeply fulfilling. The kids are thriving in school and enjoying the freedom homeschooling provides. We look forward to welcoming more visitors in the coming weeks. The only truly hard part of this experience has been the distance between us and those we love.

Four months feels like both a long stretch and no time at all. There is still so much we hope to accomplish and experience. And yet that is the tension we are learning to live inside. Time is long enough to do work that matters. Long enough to build something that might outlast our time here. Long enough to stand in an operating room and fight for one more heartbeat. But each individual life is heartbreakingly short. Short enough that every surgery carries weight. Short enough that every meal shared, every coffee accepted, every child’s laugh, every goodbye matters more than we realize in the moment.

In these final months, we are trying to live with both truths in hand. To practice the art faithfully, because it is long. And to treasure the lives entrusted to us and the life we are living here, because they are not.

Our home here backs up to one of the busiest entrances to the hospital. It is not uncommon for the loud, pain-filled wails of a grieving family member to be carried on the warm breeze from the patient wards to our open windows. When that happens, everything else stops. I pause, my heart catches, and I send up a prayer; for the one who has gone before us, and for their loved ones left behind who are now learning how to breathe in a world that suddenly feels broken.

This place holds grief so honestly. And yet, it is also a place where miracles abound.

Living here keeps us acutely aware that life is fragile, sacred, and ultimately not ours to control. We are reminded daily of the One who holds our destiny, the One who numbers our days, and the One who calls us home when our time on this earth is complete. “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12. That prayer feels especially close to the surface here.

One bright light this season has been sweet Tracy. She recently underwent her third skin-grafting surgery and continues to recover beautifully. Bwana asifiwe (Praise God!) for how healthy and strong she looks. At just four years old Tracy amazes us daily with her calm, steady walk down the hospital hallway in her tiny, adorable Crocs to have her dressings changed. Knowing how painful that process must be as she navigates daily physical and emotional healing, her grace humbles us. We are deeply grateful for the tender, faithful care she receives from the Tenwek Hospital staff and for her loving auntie who never leaves her side. And to our dear Duluth friends who sent thoughtful Christmas gifts just for her: thank you. Her eyes sparkled with pure joy when we delivered them on Christmas Eve.

A moment that felt especially sacred this season was for me (Kim) to be able to quickly donate blood with 3 friends to a mama with critically low platelets who urgently needed a C-section in order for both she and her baby to survive. Being healthy enough and living steps from the hospital blood bank to give something so simple and yet so life-saving felt like a profound gift. It was a quiet reminder that sometimes the offering God asks of us is just our own availability; giving our best “yes” when it matters most. These moments don’t make headlines, but they save lives. They are holy.

Thanksgiving and Christmas were celebrated right here at Tenwek, surrounded by friends who feel like family and by neighbors and patients who remind us what courage truly looks like. There was a turkey trot, a full Thanksgiving spread, afternoon (American) football, a dinner consisting of solely dessert!!!, Christmas hymns sung through the hospital wards, decorating gingerbread houses, a candlelight Christmas Eve service, sharing the Christmas story with the children and families on the pediatric ward and honoring them with small gifts. We are endlessly thankful for this beautiful community that never tires of servanthood in Jesus’ name.

The best Christmas gift this year was hosting my parents, Cindy and Leon, here in Kenya for two weeks. Their travels went smoothly and remarkably, they stayed healthy even as a stomach virus made its way through everyone else! It was such a joy to share our day to day life with them: introducing them to all of our friends and colleagues, celebrating Chaplain Joyce’s birthday, and welcoming the Advent season with the CTC anesthesia team over mbuzi choma (goat roast) at our house. We made a weekend trip down endlessly bumpy roads in an old Land Cruiser ambulance-turned-personal vehicle to the Maasai Mara, snuggled babies in the nursery, tied fleece blankets for the children on the pediatric ward, and toured our local tea factory. Dad returned to North Dakota armed with a whole new collection of stories to share. And the gifts they brought: Skippy peanut butter, Annie’s mac and cheese, and REAL maple syrup! Well, that maple syrup absolutely won Christmas this year.

Watching our kids live and grow in this special place continues to be one of our greatest joys. Sophie jumped at the chance to observe several more surgeries during our school break and even began learning how to suture; she is equal parts fascinated and fearless. She’s always game to present the devotion on the pediatric ward and does a beautiful job. Her message is translated into Swahili line by line by our dear friend, Chaplain Joyce, who’s passion for this important ministry is absolutely amazing.

Murphy received rollerblades (and a helmet!) for Christmas and loves spending time wrestling, mountain biking, and laughing with his buddy, James. If he’s not playing, his nose is in a book. He’s our tender heart- always wanting to treat our young neighbor friends to ice pops or a pair of sunglasses.

Maisy has become quite the little crochet queen! She learned from her friends here and keeps her hands busy creating hats, bags and even a tiny baby blanket for her soon to be cousin! She and Murphy have been learning to play the ukelele with some of their friends to our great delight. They have learned a few Swahili songs that they often play for the kids, families, and staff on the peds ward.

Oh, Sam. He continues to make friends so easily and is just generally lovely to be around. He never slows down long enough to eat a full meal, is constantly filthy, full of mosquito bite scabs, and is loving learning to read! He is so excited to turn 6 soon and says he doesn’t really miss anything significant from home (besides the people!) but often asks for our first meal back in Duluth to be Bulldog Pizza.

The kids continue to stretch, adapt, and surprise us daily as they learn compassion, resilience, and curiosity in ways that simply can’t be taught from a book.

As we step into this new year, our hearts are full. Full of gratitude. Full of humility. Full of awe at God’s faithfulness throughout the last year as well as the ways He is moving now; in both heartbreak and healing, in loss and life, in quiet acts of love and extraordinary grace.

Kongoi mising (Kipsigis for “thank you so much”) for walking with us, praying for us, and loving us from afar. We carry you with us, always.

With love and deep gratitude, Kim

As this season of Thanksgiving arrives, we want you all to know how grateful we are for your presence in our lives and for the support you’ve shown us. We are thankful for the opportunity to serve, for the community that has embraced us in our new home, for the time we get to spend together as a family, and for our health (most of the time!). Most importantly, we are grateful that God has given us the chance to go out into the world and, in some small way, try to make it better.

We are especially thankful to all of you who contributed to our successful fundraising drive for two anesthesia machines! The machines are being ordered, and their arrival is eagerly anticipated. During a recent day at the main hospital, I saw firsthand how transformative they will be. A newborn baby needed an operation for a meningomyelocele repair. This required hand ventilation throughout the entire surgery because the current machine could not ventilate a baby that small. My anesthesia colleagues will understand the significance of this challenge more than anyone. The new machines will make surgery much safer for the smallest patients.

Life at Tenwek continues to be full and vibrant. The weather continues to confound our seasons. It feels like an eternal summer, yet the holidays are here! We are preparing for a weekend Thanksgiving feast. Our Kenyan friends do not all understand our Thanksgiving holiday, but it is a harvest season and the concept of giving thanks is very present. The kids are busy with their studies and we travel when we can, trying to soak in as much of this beautiful country as possible.

I recently got the opportunity to take Sophie into the operating room for the first time with several classmates! It was a special moment filled with curiosity and new experiences. Dr. Horazdovsky spoke eloquently on the history of orthopedic trauma surgical techniques as well as a life lesson on the merits of working hard to keep your options open. They all listened intently!

Work at the hospital has been exceptionally busy. This past week, we hosted a visiting pediatric cardiac surgeon and interventional pediatric cardiologist. Together, we performed complex congenital heart surgeries and cath lab procedures on children from Kenya and Uganda. Several visiting pediatric teams come each year. They work not only to care for these children but also to help train and support our Tenwek team. Over the years, Tenwek’s capacity to independently care for these patients has steadily grown. Next year, the goal is to perform over 100 congenital cardiac surgeries. As our capabilities expand, the question inevitably arises: how far can we take this? Many more complex congenital patients still need care. The long-term vision is to offer the level of surgical support that these children require as there are no other options for these children in sub-Saharan Africa.

I’m often asked what it’s like practicing anesthesia here and what kind of operations we perform. The following is a snapshot of this past week. It may sound a bit confusing to non-medical folks!

Monday

1. Open heart surgery for ventricular septal defect (VSD) repair and aortic arch advancement for aortic coarctation under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest on a 6-month-old, 6 kg infant.

2. Cardiac cath for a 4-year-old with Tetralogy of Fallot, anomalous left coronary artery for the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA), and severe pulmonary hypertension.

3. Open heart surgery for Mitral and tricuspid valve replacement due to rheumatic heart disease.

Tuesday

1. Open heart surgery for a VSD repair on a 5-month-old, 5 kg infant.

2. Open heart surgery for total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) repair on a 4-year-old.

3. Open heart surgery for a mitral valve replacement for rheumatic heart disease.

Wednesday

1. Open heart surgery for Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair in a 2-year-old.

2. Open heart surgery for a TOF repair in a 14-year-old.

3. Cardiac cath for a 4-year-old with TOF.

4. Emergent cath lab coverage for an adult post-PCI with cardiac arrest.

Thursday

1. Open heart surgery for a TOF repair with infundibular stenosis in a 1-year-old.

2. Open heart surgery for a mitral and tricuspid valve replacements for rheumatic heart disease.

3. Cardiac cath for a patient with TOF.

4. Vascular cath for an 11-year-old with a traumatic AV fistula caused by a donkey kick four years ago—now leading to circulatory overload and heart failure.

Friday

1. Open heart surgery for a TOF repair in a 4-year-old.

2. Open heart surgery for a mitral and tricuspid valve replacements due to rheumatic heart disease.

3. Cardiac cath for a patient with VSD, PDA, and severe pulmonary hypertension.

I’m grateful to report that all the children did amazingly well. Every surgery was successful, and many of the children have already been discharged. Being the only anesthesiologist was physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting! Not all the weeks are this busy, but the complexity is significant. The skill and dedication of the surgeons, fellows, and CRNA’s continues to impress me!

Next week brings the arrival of Kim’s parents who will be our first visitors! The excitement in the house is palpable, and their presence will be deeply appreciated. As we enter the holiday season, the hardest part of being here is missing our friends and family. The absence of the familiar gives us a new perspective and we’re embracing the chance to celebrate with our new friends and create new memories.

I’ll leave you with a few photos from this past week (shared with permission). As Thanksgiving approaches, I ask that you pause and be thankful for the gift of life as it is not a given. These children are living proof of what dedication, perseverance, and faith can accomplish.

Galatians 6:9

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to everyone.”

We’re soaking in the rhythms of life here; the beauty, the learning, the moments that make us pause with gratitude. I’m still finding my own words for all this experience means to me, but I’m deeply thankful for the chance to be living it.

Photos clockwise from upper left: It’s not uncommon to need to make your way around grazing cows, donkeys, or sheep as you walk around Tenwek Station. Maisy working on her new skill: wall climbing. Maisy also relaxing under the shade of our paw-paw tree. Family movie night is cozy and wonderful.

Photos clockwise from upper left: Our paw-paw (papaya) tree makes hearts in the bark as it grows. A floral arrangement a la Sam. Murph + Mais pose for a photo op in front of the iconic Tenwek Hospital sign. Friday afternoon gym class during a rare and blessed sunny afternoon - a baseball game!

Photos clockwise from upper left: Sam and his buddy, V, steal my phone for a selfie. I loved this “We Repair Broken Hearts” semi truck we came across on a highway NW of Nairobi. Our sweet friend, T, who bravely recovered from a successful surgery to remove a brain tumor loved our visits…but not as much as we loved visiting her! A rare snuggle with Sam: precious moment.

A few weekends ago we had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Crescent Island on Lake Naivasha, about 3+ hours from Tenwek. The small island is a wildlife sanctuary, home to freely roaming giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, antelopes, and hippos! It felt like a bucket-list destination to me; walking amongst the wildlife with views of the lake and nearby mountains. What a gift.

While at Crescent Island, we explored Hell’s Gate National Park. These photos are from the Ol Njorowa Gorge hike that the kids said was one of their favorite things we’ve done so far in Kenya! The steep, winding canyons have been shaped by water and geothermal activity. You see steam rising from natural vents and hot springs, a visible sign of the intense underground heat. This geothermal energy is harnessed nearby at the Olkaria power stations, which help produce a significant portion of Kenya’s electricity.

Our dear friend, Tracy, celebrated her 4th birthday recently! We were so grateful to be a part of the celebration. There were prayers of deep gratitude and continued healing for this little girl, heartfelt speeches by family members, friends and her medical team, lively music, and of course…CAKE!

Above I wanted to share a video of one of the most joyful and beloved part of any Kenyan celebration; whether a birthday, wedding, or graduation - the cake cutting song! This is a communal moment of blessing and celebration; full of warmth, laughter, and thanksgiving for Tracy. Everyone crowds around the guest of honor, cheers them on and sings together: “Kata keki, kata keki, kata keki sasa!” - (Cut the cake, cut the cake, cut the cake now!). The joy in that room that afternoon was contagious and a beautiful reminder of what it means to live life together.

Sweet Tracy is continuing to recover and doing well. Her strength is extraordinary. We thank God for her aunties and uncle who are a constant presence of love and for the medical team that cares so deeply for her. She will need another skin grafting surgery in the near future. Please continue to keep this miraculous little girl in your prayers.

Anesthesia Machine Update! We are filled with gratitude and thrilled to share that we met our goal of raising $20,000 to purchase 2 new anesthesia machines for the main Tenwek Hospital! Thanks to your great generosity, we are now completing the necessary paperwork and preparations to bring these vital machines to Tenwek, where they will help ensure safe surgeries for countless patients. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your support, prayers, and encouragement. This milestone is a true reflection of what can happen when a community comes together to care for others. Stay tuned for another update when the machines arrive!

The past nearly 3 months have been a season of wonder, growing, stretching, joy, and sometimes quiet, tearful surrender. Some days feel full and overflowing; others are slow and simple. But through it all, I keep coming back to gratitude; for the chance to be here, to grow together, and to see God’s goodness in unexpected places.

With love, Kim & the crew

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 107:1

Before I start, I should probably let you know that this blog post isn’t written by my parents. It’s me, Sophie! I wanted to share a little bit about what my life has been like at Tenwek through my own eyes, and tell you an inspiring story about a little girl I met in the ICU.

Daily life at Tenwek has its own rhythm that has really grown on me. My mornings start early with a 7am workout with James, a Kenyan championship triathlete, who offers his expertise as a trainer. It usually ends with my mom and me about to collapse on the floor. After the workout, I go to my co-op classes, which are physical science and history. When those are done, I go home and do the rest of my subjects (Language Arts, Spanish, and Algebra) either online or with my mom. I usually finish my schoolwork around 11am, unless I have art or PE in the afternoon as part of co-op.

One thing I love about Tenwek is that no matter where you go, there are always other missionary kids to hang out with. My friend Sally and I have really gotten into baking. We try to make something at least once a day. Last weekend we even made our own almond flour for macarons since it’s hard to find here. It took forever; blanching, peeling, grinding, and sifting the almonds, but it was totally worth it because they turned out delicious.

Even though most of my days at Tenwek are filled with pretty normal things like school, friends, and baking, there are moments that remind me why my family is here and what our purpose is. Two weeks ago, that moment was meeting a three year old girl in the Tenwek ICU named Tracy.

Tracy is a three year old Kipsigis girl. She came to Tenwek after a terrible fire that her dad set at their house. Her mom, sister, grandma, and she were locked inside. Houses in Kipsigis villages are small with tiny windows high up. Her mom tried desperately to get them out by banging on the door, but the fire spread too fast. Tracy was thrown out of the door just in time, but the rest of her family didn’t survive. She was rushed to Tenwek where she is being treated for burns that cover about 50 percent of her tiny body. Her face, arms, hands, back, chest, and legs were badly burned.

I met Tracy one Wednesday afternoon while visiting the pediatric ward. Every week we go to the hospital to bring milk, snacks, coloring sheets, and little toys for the kids there. A Tenwek chaplain named Joyce who translates for us into Swahili and Kipsigis told us about a little girl we should go see. That’s how I met Tracy. Sally and I have been visiting her almost every day since.

Tracy has been in the hospital for over a month now and has been healing little by little. She shows more and more strength every time I see her. Sally and I are now her full time visitors. We usually go at least once or twice a day and always bring her something small. Sometimes it’s a book, a snack, a stuffed animal, or a balloon. This week we brought her a doll that I covered in bandages to look just like her. Some days we download her favorite shows on our iPad and watch them with her at the hospital. She loves Peppa Pig, Gabby’s Dollhouse, and Pup Academy. Her favorite books are the Biscuit The Dog series.

Last week she had a skin graft surgery where doctors took skin from her hips and back and placed it on her face and arms. This is probably going to need to happen multiple times while she heals. Tracy still has a long road ahead, but it’s amazing to see how far she’s come since I first met her. The doctors and nurses take such good care of her, and every day she gets a little stronger.

Please keep Tracy in your prayers for healing, comfort, and strength as she continues to recover. Her story has reminded me so much about hope, courage, and how God is always near, even in the hardest times.

Love from Kenya,

Sophie

*note: all photos taken and used with permission

Kim has done an excellent job sharing updates on this blog, but I figured it was time for me to make an appearance (this is Tim). It has been nearly 6 weeks since our departure from our beloved Duluth. It is still odd to be half a world away.

The first month has brought many changes. Things that initially felt challenging have now become seamless routine. We have experienced moments of joy as we absorb and embrace this wonderful culture, but there have also been moments of sadness as we recognize the great distance from friends and family in both space and time.

On a lighter note, I’ve been learning to drive on the opposite side of the road. I’m proud of my progress, though Sophie describes my driving as an “adventure.” I remind her that she’s not driving yet and should reserve judgment! Even walking requires adjustment; I still find myself colliding with people in hallways and stairwells as I try to remember to keep to the left instead of the right.

Work at the Cardiac Treatment Centre (CTC) has been both challenging and deeply fulfilling. The case mix is remarkably complex, and my new colleagues’ skill and dedication continually impress me. My partner, Dr. Kevin, has gone out of his way to make me feel welcome and help me navigate this new environment.

In just four weeks, I’ve cared for patients with conditions I routinely managed in the U.S. such as coronary bypasses and aortic repairs, and others I haven’t seen since my cardiac fellowship at Boston Children’s: VSD’s, Tetralogy of Fallot repairs, Blalock-Taussig shunts, and PDA ligations. Caring for a 4 kg (8.8 pound) infant during open-heart surgery is a humbling, high-stakes experience, and not something I would have imagined doing a year ago. But with a clear sense of purpose I’ve found renewed passion for this work.

These surgeries are truly life-changing here. They offer hope and a future to children and adults who otherwise face suffering and early death. The safety net we can so easily take for granted in the U.S. doesn’t exist here; every successful operation is the result of years of vision, persistence, and sacrifice by those who built and continue to sustain this program.

Our CTC building is new and well designed with new ventilators, good ultrasound, and TEE equipment; but resources remain limited. Simple items can be scarce. Supplies commonly discarded after one use in the U.S. are carefully reprocessed and repurposed here. Blood availability can delay surgery. Medications and advanced equipment are not always accessible. Practicing in this setting has been a steep but rewarding learning curve.

One bright spot has been bringing several donated GlideScope systems, which are crucial for safely managing difficult airways. Previously, some surgeries were canceled or nearly compromised because of airway challenges. Since arriving, we’ve used these tools multiple times, and my colleagues are profoundly grateful. Thank you to those who helped make this possible.

Just down the road from the CTC, Tenwek Hospital faces a critical challenge.
In this rural mission hospital where general surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, and obstetrics are performed daily; vital work is being held back by failing equipment. The power can be unreliable, resources are stretched thin, and the anesthesia machines are aging, overused, and dangerously unreliable; especially for our smallest, most vulnerable patients. The 40+ year old machines do not allow for low tidal volumes (amount of breath delivered) and other fine adjustments necessary to care for the many infants, small children, and critically ill who seek treatment here. This has led to sentinel events.

Every day that passes without working equipment puts lives at risk. Without safe anesthesia machines, a child in need of surgery may be put at undue risk or be unnecessarily delayed.

Our family is urgently trying to raise $20,000 to purchase two new anesthesia machines for Tenwek.

Each machine costs $10,000 and would immediately expand surgical capacity and safety. The impact is direct, immediate, and profound.

If you are able and willing to give, 100% of donations made to our account with Samaritan’s Purse between now and the end of October will go directly to this need.
Samaritan’s Purse is a registered 501(c)(3), so gifts are tax-deductible. Your generosity can truly make a difference between life and death for patients who have nowhere else to turn.

👉 Click here to give — and help save lives. *Simply type “Esser” in the search box at this link. *

Thank you for your prayers, your encouragement, and your support. Each day of this adventure has been a gift. We look forward to sharing more stories of hope and healing made possible by your help.

The Essers

We’ve made fast friends here at Tenwek, which has been such a gift in this tender season of BIG transition. The kids have been absolute champs through it all…beginning with the 30 hour travel marathon from Duluth to Nairobi (with quick layovers in Minneapolis and Paris), followed by rolling with everything from sleeping with mosquito nets to welcoming the afternoon rains that fill our rain tank and then filtering our rainwater so it is suitable for drinking to soaking our produce in a bleach solution before we eat it or keeping a heads up for avocados falling from high in a tree. They honestly haven’t blinked at any of it. They are so taken with the kindness of everyone around us, the warmth and sunshine, the beautiful countryside we are surrounded by on all sides, the constant outside playtime with new friends, and the Passionfruit Fanta! I think they are grateful for glimpses of the familiar; simple things like Oreos, ice cream, and finding out that we can set up a small projector for Friday night movie nights in the living room. We’ve discovered many unique local blessings: Victor delivers our eggs weekly from his family’s nearby orphanage, 2 liters of fresh milk is delivered by our new friend Winnie from her cows each morning (we strain and pasteurize it in our kitchen), and I can even order many staple groceries to arrive to our doorstep on the back of a boda boda (motorbike!). It’s way more fun than AmazonPrime.

School began this week, and we are grateful to be a part of the Tenwek Missionary Kids co-op for many of our classes. Our week days are full of sunshine, new bird songs, transition from class to class, fist bumps and waves hello to curious Kenyan kids, chai time at 10am, plenty of running around, climbing trees, and finding chameleons. Today is Friday and I asked the kids what their favorite part of school was this week; the twins answered emphatically that they love not having to wear a uniform (no surprise there - sorry, Mr. Hilliker!). A highlight for me is Wednesday afternoons on the pediatric ward, while Sophie has been in her happy place snuggling babies in the NICU. Tim is getting settled into his role at the Cardiothoracic Centre, getting to know he new colleagues, learning how medicine is practiced here, and caring for many often young, sick patients.

Through it all, we see God’s providence in big and small ways. We are deeply grateful for His care as we traveled here and continue to learn so much everyday. We are also grateful for the prayers of so many of you back home. Know that we are praying for you too. May we each be a light for Christ wherever we may encounter darkness; even the smallest flame can push back darkness.

“You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:14-16

Here are a few snapshots of daily life in Kenya. Simple moments that remind us of God’s goodness and presence here.

With much gratitude and love,

The Esser Family

A year(ish) in Kenya.

One family. Six hearts. Eleven months.

Forty-seven bottles of sunscreen (and counting).

In the middle of of our Summer Olympiad of logistics, preparations and goodbyes, Father Matt Miller gave us a gem of a quote one night at dinner:

“I’m here for a good time, not a long time.”

I think I’ve adopted this as our family’s unofficial mission statement for this year (thank you, Father!) We’re not going to Africa as experts or heroes—we’re going as learners, helpers, and hopefully, humble participants in what God is already doing at Tenwek Hospital.

We are here for a good time: a rich time of togetherness, service, growth, and wild trust in God’s faithfulness. And while a year might feel long when we say goodbye to those we love, we know it will go fast. We don’t want to miss a minute of what He has planned for us.

Abraham went. Ruth went. Paul really went.

The Bible is full of people packing up their lives because God whispered (or shouted), “Go.” We heard His whisper to us almost exactly one year ago and are now packed up, leaving behind what is familiar, what is comfortable, what is secure in order to follow His plan for us this coming year.

Jesus said,

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

So we’re seeking.

We’re going.

We’re packing a ridiculous amount of things and trusting a ridiculously grace-filled God who uses ordinary families from Duluth, Minnesota to do extraordinary things.

Are we nervous? Yes.

Are we excited? Very.

Are we bringing enough bug spray to fumigate a village? Also, yes.

More than anything else, we are grateful.

Grateful for a God who leads.

Grateful for a community that sends.

Grateful for every prayer, every donation, every “you’ve got this” text and tearful hug.

This isn’t a goodbye—it’s a “tuonane baadaya” (‘see you later’ in Swahili.)

And if you need us, we’ll be in rural Kenya, unpacking grace one day at a time.

With love (and too much luggage - 6 big totes, 4 little totes, 7 duffel bags, 6 carry-on bags, 5 backpacks and 1 violin),

The Esser Family - Tim, Kim, Soph, Murph, Mais + Sam

Meanwhile, our house has slowly started to look less like home and more like a staging ground for an international move (aka: a hot mess). Boxes are everywhere. Rooms echo a little more. We’re elbows-deep in decisions about what to pack, what to store, and what to let go of. It’s exciting and overwhelming all at once. Eleven years in one house is by far the longest we’ve lived anywhere since our own childhoods. We were used to moving fairly often during Tim’s days of medical training, so getting this home ready for the family that will keep our house warm and lived in for the next year has been a BIG project. We’ve never been more grateful for sticky notes and Sharpies, empty totes borrowed from friends, and coffee…lots of coffee.

We’ve all received most of our recommended immunizations for our year in Kenya with a couple more to go. The kids were less than thrilled to spend the afternoon of their first day of summer at the Travel Clinic within the Department of Infectious Diseases, but they were big troopers and we celebrated with ice cream afterwards. Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies, and malaria prophylaxis are just some of the immunizations and medications we will have on board to protect our health while we are away.

In the middle of all the organizing and sorting and logistics, we’ve carved out time for moments with friends and family— afternoon jumps into Lake Superior, stops for ice cream, and impromptu friend time for the kids. Each one feels like a little gift, a reminder of how blessed we are to have this community surrounding us with love and support.

The kids and I also made the trip to North Dakota over the 4th of July to be with my parents. We YOLO’d hard taking in the Mandan 4th of July parade, (lots of) fireworks, our first rodeo, Sophie and Maisy’s first 5k run, driving the Ranger on Grandma and Grandpa’s land and time with Kim’s 95 year old Grandma Delores—moments so grounding in a season that feels anything but.

As we look ahead to the next handful of weeks, there is so much gratitude in our hearts—but we are also feeling the fatigue. Emotionally and physically, it’s been a lot. Please keep us in your prayers; especially for Tim’s Kenyan medical license to come through. It’s a crucial piece of the puzzle, and we’re trusting God to open that door in His time.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

— Isaiah 26:3

Thank you for walking this journey with us. Your prayers, encouragement, and presence in our lives mean more than we can say.

With love and a few more boxes to pack,

The Esser Family

Praises -

• For friends and family who love on our kids and keep them having fun!

• For friends who have offered to take us in while we are homeless for our last couple of weeks in Duluth

• For a colleague of Tim’s who donated 3 refurbished Glide Scopes for us to take with and leave at Tenwek. These are special tools with a camera on it that Anesthesiologists use often to put breathing tubes into a patient’s airway in preparation of surgery or serious illness. In difficult situations it makes the intubation process much safer and these will be so welcomed by the staff at Tenwek!

Prayers -

• For Tim’s Kenyan Medical License to be granted by the Kenyan Government

• For the patients and staff currently at Tenwek and for all we will learn from them during the coming year

• For safe travels for us on August 18th!

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Tenwek’s Community Health Team serves various communities in Kenya spanning 4 of Kenya’s 47 counties. They have an office on Tenwek Hospital’s campus as well as 2 satellite offices in the region. These angels have committed themselves to work tirelessly to overcome challenges and bring about transformation in the area on a daily basis.

Living Water: Solutions for Clean Water

One of the most powerful aspects of Community Health’s mission is their focus on providing clean, safe water to the community — a critical issue in many rural areas of Kenya. Many families rely on unsafe water sources such as rivers, dams, or rainwater catchments, which can lead to waterborne diseases like cholera.

Through their work, the team at Community Health offers a simple yet life-changing solution: affordable water filters that remove 99.9% of harmful pathogens. For just 600 KSH (about $5 USD), these filters are made using coarse gravel, coarse sand, and fine sand, materials that are readily available in the community. This initiative is not only practical but allows us to live out our Christian belief that as God’s people, we are called to care for the health and well-being of others.

“I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.” – Matthew 25:35.

We spent hours scouting around different villages in the area where the Community Health team hopes to bring their Water, Sanitation and Hygeine (WASH) program. I got to listen as the team spoke to the people in each village asking them, “Show us where you fetch your water for drinking and for your animals.” The answer was places like this:

and this:

Faith and Farming

Bomet County’s agriculture is a testament to God’s provision and the land here is rich with potential. This region is known for its tea fields, harvested twice a month, where workers carefully pluck two leaves and a bud, which are sold to tea-buying centers for 24 KSH per kilogram (about 19 cents). Additionally, Bomet’s fertile soil supports crops like maize, bananas, avocados, and cabbages — all staples that help bring nutrition and sustain the community.

In villages like Kimolwet and Tumoiyot, where soil conditions vary and tea plants are unable to be grown, people are still able to grow green onions, which are sold in massive bushels along the roads, providing a source of income for families.

Through Tenwek’s nutrition and food security programs, they help communities strengthen their farming practices. They encourage people to cultivate gardens, improving nutrition and sustainability. They bring these programs into schools and churches -where the children help to disseminate the valuable information. This essential programming is built on the belief that we are stewards of God’s creation, and by caring for the land, we care for ourselves and each other.

Healing the Body, Mind, and Spirit

At Tenwek, the approach to health is holistic, grounded in both medical expertise and the love of Christ. The team — including Patricia, a nutritionist, and Emmy, the director of Community Health, as well as so many others — is committed to addressing the health and well-being of the entire person.

A key program at Tenwek that Tim and I are very grateful for is their screening for rheumatic heart disease in schools. This condition, often a result of untreated strep throat, can cause serious health issues if not addressed. Tenwek Hospital has a waiting list of over 800 patients awaiting heart surgery secondary to rheumatic heart disease. When children are screened and diagnosed by the Community Health team visiting their school with a simple portable echocardiography probe, they can be treated with penicillin, (often until the age of 15) and in many cases are cured! This saves them from years of illness and eventually the need for life-saving open heart surgery (and a visit to Tim!).

“Let the little children come to me.” Matthew 19:14

Another powerful initiative is the Threads of Hope program, which provides reusable menstrual pads for girls who cannot afford them. Many girls miss many days of school during their period, but with access to these pads, they can attend school without interruption, allowing them to receive the education they need to get jobs.

A Place of Beauty, Faith, and Challenges

As I journeyed through rural Kenya that day, I was struck by the beauty of the land and the warmth of the people. When villagers saw the truck with the large “Tenwek Hospital” logo on the side, they immediately ran up to us, asking “Tenwek?! Tenwek?!” They knew we were there to help and they were exceptionally grateful we had come.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

The mission of Tenwek Community Health goes beyond providing basic needs. It is about transforming lives through the love of Christ, addressing both physical and spiritual health. Their focus on clean water, food security, healthcare, and education is not just about improving living conditions; it is about empowering people to live fuller, healthier lives in the name of Jesus. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord in Jeremiah 29:11, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Tenwek Community Health’s work is a testament to this truth, as they work to walk alongside these communities helping them to build a better future in the love of Christ.

The Mustard Seed House was just recently founded in 2021 within walking distance of Tenwek Hospital. It sits on beautiful grounds surrounded by gardens growing vegetables of all kinds. It began as one 3-bedroom rented house and in just a few short years it has grown to 3 buildings with plans for more expansion. Currently, 48 impoverished patients and family members are able to be cared for within the walls of the Mustard Seed House at one time.

Upon entering this quiet, beautiful space you are greeted by Faith, the House Manager. She and the entire team from Mustard Seed House ensure that this is a refuge for patients and families who must travel long distances seeking medical care at Tenwek Hospital and have nowhere to stay or recover. They are provided comfortable accommodations - all the comforts of 'home', as well as 3 nutritious meals per day and a compassionate, supportive community during their journey. They receive prayer, spiritual counseling and a place to hear the Gospel. There is family centered programming, hope and healing taking place here every single day.

Patients come from all over Kenya and across Africa to receive the specialized care provided at Tenwek. Mustard Seed House serves as a safe haven for them as they seek a diagnosis, possibly wait for surgery and recover before returning home. It is a loving, caring community where patients and families are well cared for in both body and spirit.

Accommodations for all at Mustard Seed House are free. Guests are asked to make a donation in any amount according to their means for sustainability of this project, but much of what makes this all happen is funded through grants from the Mustard Seed House's in-country partner, FaithAid Kenya.

Check out these two short YouTube videos that share more about this beautiful ministry and show more about life in Kenya, at Tenwek and at Mustard Seed House. We look forward to spending time there during our year at Tenwek. Please keep these patients, families and staff in your prayers!

The Story of Mustard Seed House

Faith Aid + Mustard Seed House

Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20

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This summer we will pack up a years worth of belongings and move to Kenya, about 4 hours northwest of Nairobi. Tim will be serving as a Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologist at the Cardiothoracic Centre at Tenwek Hospital. This adventure is equal parts exciting and a little overwhelming, but we are stepping forward in faith, trusting that God has led us to this place and in this time.

Why Kenya?

For many years, we've felt a growing call to serve in medical missions. We thought this would happen closer to our 'golden years' when the kids were grown. But after much prayer, doing this now WITH the kids became the clear answer. Throughout their childhoods, we are constantly encouraging the kids to be 'helpers and healers' (shoutout to Ms. Meghan and the Secret Forest crew!) and what better way to put those words into action than to embark on an adventure like this.

Tenwek Hospital has a long history of providing compassionate, Christ-centered medical care to those in need and we are all so grateful for the opportunity to be a small part of this vital work. The hospital was founded in the 1930s by missionaries from the World Gospel Mission. It began as a small, one-room dispensary serving the Kipsigis people and has grown into one of Kenya's leading mission hospitals with over 350 beds, providing surgical, medical, maternity, and pediatric care, training, as well as ministering to the spiritual needs of thousands each year. Tenwek trains community nurses, medical and clinical officers (similar to PA's and NP's here in the states), chaplains, as well as Family Practice, General Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery medical residents. It is truly an amazing place.

The Cardiothoracic Centre at Tenwek Hospital (CTC) is a brand new facility whose journey has been nothing short of miraculous. This new Centre will provide world class medical care and serve as a training hub for African healthcare workers in the prevention and management of heart diseases. The CTC will expand access to preventative, curative, and rehab services - certainly striving to eliminate inequalities in access to healthcare. Because of Tim's specialized training and years of experience in Cardiac Anesthesiology, he will play a crucial role in the treatment of cardiac patients and the training of physicians and staff who will continue this work in Africa long into the future.

To learn a little more about the miraculous journey of cardiac services at Tenwek, check out this quick video, "Hope for Life".

Hope for Life: Heart Surgery at Tenwek

What does this mean for our family?

Beginning in August of this year, we will be adjusting to life in a completely new culture - new foods, new routines, and a much different pace of life (for this Kim is incredibly grateful). Our four kids will be navigating homeschooling with mom and likely part of a co-op of other Missionary Kids (MK's). We will make new friends and learn how to live and serve in a community far from home. While there are plenty of unknowns, we are so excited to see how God works in and through us during this time.

How you can pray for us:

We would love your prayers as we prepare for this transition!

Specifically, please pray for:

- All of Tenwek Hospital's patients and staff and the CTC as they begin to see patients in the new building

- Safe travels for the Essers and a smooth adjustment to life in Kenya

- Strength and wisdom for Tim as he serves the Kenyan people at the hospital

- Peace, resilience, and a spirit of adventure for our kids

- Opportunities to build deep relationships and be a light for Christ!

We will be using this blog to share updates, stories and ways you can continue to pray for and support us. Thank you for walking alongside us on this African journey- we can't wait to see what God has in store! We are already incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement we've received. While we are not asking for donations, some have kindly asked how they can help. If you feel led to contribute, below is a link where you can do so. Most importantly, we appreciate your prayers, well wishes, and support as we take on this journey! Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions.

With love and gratitude,

The Esser Family - Tim, Kim, Sophie, Murphy, Maisy & Sam

"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" Matthew 25:40

Link to support our medical ministry

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