Desert Fisher

Money Details

2011-04-03T22:48:00.000-07:00

People have asked for our financial information. We thought we would give the breakdown of where our support goes and what is needed.

the Monthly support target for a married couple with 2 kids not yet in school in Kenya is $4,845

from that figure comes out

-our combined monthly Salary is $1,724 ($862 for Steve and $862 for Angie)

-Social Security tax 7.65% (or $371)

-funding for AIM's international council 2.1% (or $102)

-funding for AIM's home (US) administration 11.4% (or $552)

-funding for field(Kenya) administration 8.5% (or $412)

-funding to help pay for plane tickets, home assignment 5.2% (or $252)

- emergency retiree assistance 1.0% (or $49)

-Medical insurance $682

-401K $460

-Nairobi housing allowance $85

currently we are at $1600 or 33%

Please pray for us. If there are any questions please ask us.

If you are interested in supporting us this link should help Support Options

The Future, God willing

2010-07-27T23:16:00.000-07:00

We are happy to report that AIM has asked us to return to Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. The assignment is to work with TAM, or Technical Assistance Ministry, which is the vehicle repair and maintenance arm of AIM. TAM has been focused on repairing the missionaries' vehicles which are brought to Nairobi. Now, rather than having the missionaries come to us, TAM is trying to shift to going out to the missionaries' locations all over Africa to not only do the repairs but also educate the missionaries to do small repairs and preventative maintenance themselves. Some missionaries had to walk six hours out of the desert for help because they didn't know to flip two levers to engage the 4 wheel drive. TAM also provides ample opportunity for discipleship of the Kenyan mechanics while working alongside them.

Praise God.

2010-05-29T11:57:00.000-07:00

Zebedee Michael Harding
Zebedee means gift of Jehova and was the Biblical father of the apostles James and John. James is Steve's father and John is Angi's Grandfather.
Michael means who is like God?
thanks for praying!
7:42 pm
may 28
20 inches
8.5 lbs

pray request

2010-02-14T20:33:00.000-08:00

The Doctors have said, because of some calcification in the baby's heart that there is a small percent chance that he may have Down's Syndrome or other chromosomal defect. Please pray that if it is in God's will that this baby will be born healthy. And if not that then that God will give us extra grace. thanks

Surprise

2009-11-29T16:50:00.000-08:00

Belated Blog Kenya to U.S.

2009-07-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to catch up on the blog. After we left Kalacha we moved to Nairobi for three months. There I (steve) worked for A.I.M.'s T.A.M. shop (Technical assistance ministries). TAM works on Missionaries' vehicles. I worked with Stephen (Right in photo below), and Benedicto (not pictured) under Trevor (Middle in photo below)

I also worked with Mark a Sudanese Darfur refugee, who was training to be a mechanic. Pray for him as he has converted but struggles with anger and frustration after seeing horrible things done to his family during the war.

Stephen Jokes around after we pulled the engine out of this old land cruiser.

a video that charmyn took after a flat going to kalacha on a nice section of road

We were able to visit my foster brother at the home he runs for street kids.

And able to see Giraffes when my family came out. Angi even fed one from her mouth!

Just before leaving we were able to make it to the beautiful coast of Kenya with my family.

Moving from Kalacha

2009-03-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

Well we have moved from our place in Kalacha to Nairobi. This is not what we anticipated, but we believe it is what God has for us now.

In Kalacha we learned many things, had great times and trying times too. (Steve learns to wear the local "man skirt" called kalumpa)

The vastness of the Chalbi desert was striking.

The nothingness begins just outside of the village.

And Seems to extend forever

at times the salt is so thick you might think it was snow if not for the 120 degree heat.

Ezekiel's face shows his discontent at having a towel keep his head from bouncing.

Ezekiel happy to be united with Ako (Grandmother)

Ako teaching us how to carry Umuro (Ezekiel) on her back

Our bed after a week and a half. We removed the pillows to show the dust.

Prayer and Praise

2009-02-16T23:18:00.002-08:00

Praise: Ezekiel's arm is great. We were able to fly to Gatab and back and have it checked out in one day. It is a big relief.

Prayer: I (steve) was asked to give blood for a very sick volunteer for a different mission in Nairobi, Angi wasn't allowed give because of the nursing. This Morning the volunteer died. Please pray for her family.

Prayer: Please pray for us as we are struggling with raising Ezekiel in the heat and different culture.

Thanks

Catching up on life

2009-01-02T22:34:00.000-08:00

We are very behind on updating this blog, this is the post that I hope catches us up.

We have really been struggling with the idea of bringing Ezekiel back to a house that has a floor made up of 10,000 marble size rocks (i.e. choking hazard, and scorpion camouflage) The mission has allowed us to move to a house with a cement floor, running water and now that we have finally gotten our solar panel up, lights(custom made by Steve's brother for solar systems)

<-Our Happiness

One of the Reasons we were nervous in the old house->

-We attended a short conference for all Kenya A.I.M.ers before we headed up country again. Salome, Angi, Ezekiel, Enock, and Ezra were able to fly up by plane. This was a huge praise for Paul and I because the trip was extended because of of so many break downs.

<-our brother Boya getting to meet Ezekiel down country at our conference.

A great picture that Charmyn took that captures the spirit of the trip->

Traditionally if a boy is born the Gabbra women will come and dance and sing. It was a pleasure to have them come to our place.

Christmas eve our team was able to have a big dinner together. Angi was able to make 2 pies and a cobbler all on our propane stove. I (steve) was so impressed I had to take a picture of one of the pies. Coconut cream:)
Christmas Day was a very difficult day. We were going to sleep in but we were awoken by a friend wanting to borrow money. After a busy morning when things were starting to slow down in the afternoon, I (steve) was moving Ezekiel and the chair he was in folded and I dropped him about 3 ft onto solid concrete. Ezekiel lip was ripped up and his left upper arm was broken. We flew out the next day to get an X-ray to a town called Gatab. 4 days later we flew down to Nairobi to take Ezekiel to Kijabe hospital. The Dr. has told us that Ezekiel will heal fine. Please pray for us as this is very difficult to deal with and figure out what the best things are to do.

<- perfect pie?

Bruised and bandaged boy->

Our lives are different in Kalacha. To keep water cooler we put a sock on the bottle and the evaporation helps cool it down. Our window lizard, Edwardo, has found that sitting on the bottles helps him stay cool as well. Other "friends" are not so welcome. Angi found a boomslang snake on our front porch. No pictures because we were busy killing it. Please pray for safety.

<-Edwardo staying cool

Sacrifice and outside house

2008-10-19T04:54:00.001-07:00

This is old news that happened before Ezekiel was born but I thought it was interesting (and I had already uploaded the pics) so here it is...
I (Steve)(No Women are allowed) was invited to observe a traditional Gabbra sacrifice. I went with the old men and we sat near a traditional Gabbra house. The "meat" from the sacrificed goat was brought. Each man had blood smeared on his head and a piece of goat skin tied on his wrist. I was given some of the "best" part of the goat... a glob of fat to eat. (Not being sure of the whole "meat sacrificed to idols" and not being a big fan of roasted fat it got slipped into my pocket. This is not a good idea as the cleaning is difficult:)
The men then prayed and drank a coffee drink. With my very limited language I tried to ask them who they were praying to and why. They pray to Waaq (God) and to the animals. There were MusIums, Traditionalist and Catholics there. The next time of Sacrifice is coming so I will get to ask many more questions.

It was so hot and we had run out of kerosene for our lanterns so at night we would pull our seats and visit with the kids.

.

Ezekiel Stone Harding

2008-09-25T10:25:00.000-07:00

Praise God! Ezekiel Stone Harding is here.
Angi and I walked up for our usual Wednesday Dr. appt. The appt. went well. No change. 3-4cm. The Dr. offered to loan us a book on a birthing method. She would get it on her Lunch break. So after lunch we were returning to the hospital. When we were almost there Angi mentioned that she had to use the Choo(toliet). She said I might have just wet myself. She thought the pregnancy had finally caused all bladder control to fly out the window. The next couple of steps she said no, my water just broke. We went in and saw the Dr. but because we weren't having any contraction she sent us to the home we are staying in.

We had been there about 2 hours when Angi had some very small contractions. I didn't think much of it. Then a very strong one. Seven minutes later a stronger one. 2 mins later a strong one. Then one every two mins. We called a wonderful nurse (Jacqui Besley) who very kindly offered to help us during the birth. She came and decided Angi needed to go right to the Hospital.

At the Hospital they checked Angi; after about a half hr of 1min long contractions that were 1 1/2 min apart, she was at 8cm. Next check half and hr later, she was fully dilated. Off to the delivery room.

In the delivery room Jacqui checked on Angi, Dr Kim Smith directed Angi, I counted for Angi (the hard work) and Angi pushed. 45 mins later 8:02 on the 24th Ezekiel Stone Harding was born. The whole thing was less than 4 hrs!

Ezekiel means "God Strengthens"- Which is our prayer for Him and for us raising him
Stone -comes from my Grandfather Henry Stone Harding (We pray that Ezekiel will follow Gramp's dedication to the Lord
Harding- means "of Hardy Stock" and the reason for that one is...uh

Thank you to all who prayed for us!! And Jacqui, Dr. Smith, Dr. Hedges, and the Nursing staff.

Angie and Zed, Z, Zek, (don't know yet)

Ezekiel after birth

7lbs and sleeping

Angie and Ezekiel both sleeping better knowing the other is there.

Random Animals that we have seen

2008-09-09T06:44:00.003-07:00

Since being here in Kenya we have seen a lot of some animals ( goats, chickens, crows, baboons) and less of others. We have found that getting to see animals is a stress release and we praise God for when he brings them across our paths. (well Steve is still having difficulty with the Roosters calling at 4:00am)

One of the bats that lives in the prayer chapel

Two long-necked Gerinuk, on a trip to ABO.

A Cameleon I found at ABO.

A lizard trying to hide in Angi's trouser pocket

A goat giving a lift to a
crow in Marsabit

A spiky lizard in of Kitchen cabinet

The sheep must have image problems

Giraffe on the way to ABO

Small antelope called dik-dik on the road

Chickens in our Kitchen

Sykes Monkey in the front yard tree at Kijabe

Baboon outside the house at Kijabe

In Kijabe waiting for the Baby

2008-09-08T23:04:00.000-07:00

We are now in Kijabe(a town far South of Kalacha in which Steve was born and raised). Angi is doing well. We came out two weeks earlier than planned via plane, because Angi had a night of strong pains which gave us a lot of concern. I(Steve) am quickly realizing how little I know about childbirth or the raising of a child. The Doctor says Angi is doing well and has progressed far. Please pray for a safe delivery with minimal pain. thanks

Trip to Africa Based Orientation

2008-07-22T05:37:00.000-07:00

We borrowed a vehicle and took a trip South. It took longer than we anticipated.

We took a trip south to attend the Mission's Africa Based Orientation. It was beautiful but we had frequent break-downs.
We started out by seeing Gerenuk that seemed to have two heads.

We had our first two breakdowns, because of the vacuum advance having trouble.

We got to see some baboons, before reaching the town where our teammates were staying to have a baby.

Upon reaching that town "Marsabit" we had a flat tire. It order to seat the tire back on the rim gasoline was poured on the tire and lit on fire, then hit to cause the burning gas to fall into the tire and expand quickly and seat it. (note not OSHA approved)

That little piece is part of the U-joint. It failed the the driveshaft came loose and in the process grabbed all the wires and pulled they apart.

Try to find the wire connections!

A new break down, trouble with the distributor cap
We Got to see a Giraffe on the side of the Road.

The next flat at a inn where we spent the night.
The next breakdown, suspension bolts sheared but spirits were high because of the beautiful spot and cool weather.The cows went out for grazing.

Around Lunch time Scott went to find bolts and lunch.
Scott returned with lunch but no bolts. The Cows also returned, giving new meaning to the phrase "till the cows come home"Everyone looking sun burnt and worn out from the day there.
The owner of the vehicle brought bolts and a rescue vehicle.
Eating dinner at a "duka" store on the road.
Finally at ABO with other newer missionaries. (yup definitely a little strange)

Slowly Learning the ropes and working on Language

2008-06-24T04:33:00.000-07:00

Well we are here in Kalacha. We are working at learning the Challenging language of Gabbra. We could definitely use prayer in that area. the Pictures are of a trip to a close town (3 hr) for supplies, and our living room.
We have had two scorpions in our house so far but, Praise God, no troubles with them. Our host mother is sick please pray for her and for her to be open to the gospel.

Made it to the Chalbi desert!

2008-05-02T07:15:00.000-07:00

Well we and our team made it to the Chalbi desert to our home for the next two years. Quite warm and dry. The people have given us a great welcome and we are starting to learn language by walking around and talking. We flew hear in a 1946 DC-3. Pray for us please as we get used to new culture, out houses, a new language and trying to learn as much as we can.
Our team leader are Scott & Suzie and their 3 boys, we are privileged to have a Kenyan Couple Paul and Salome and their son on our team and two single ladies from Indiana/Canada.

What?!? me a packrat

2008-04-22T19:15:00.000-07:00

packrat
noun
1.	a collector of miscellaneous useless objects

2. Steve Harding

Many thanks to our friends and family who have helped us fight our packrat troubles!!
God helping through people has enabled us to get packed into four 70 lb cases. (And 35 stored boxes) We have have help getting rid of all kinds of stuff: leather from airplane seats, 10 Junk vehicles, 2 mowers, mountians of trash, piles of books, 30 pounds of metric bolts, three car seats, an eight-track player, a bag of marbles, 700 lbs of random tile, 2 car hoods, .......and the list goes on and on.

Missionary Training is a Wreck!?!

2007-06-24T18:54:00.000-07:00

There I (Steve) was in Honduras looking at what used to be a 1995 land Rover Defender. It had been rolled over only 14,00 miles after being given to the Honduran government. It spent eh next ten year quietly rusting in a junk yard, until William Haase, a fellow MK that I had grown up with , found it and brought me down to help get it road worthy again.

At first it was hard to recognize the metal as the truck that it once was.

I was able to help William for a week and we tried to get it ready for William to drive back to the United States.
By the end of the week (with the Central American obligatory siesta time) It had taken more of it's original form and was running!.....but had no Brakes.
William was able to return later and fix brakes and drive it back to the US!

He was able to do more work on it in South Carolina, before he left to take a job in Malawi, Africa. He dropped off the Land Rover here and I am currently trying to finish the job.
Sometimes in life I do not see God's hand until after the fact. I found out that our team leaders vehicle and the team vehicle (most likely) will both be Land Rover Defenders with 300TDI engines like this one. I will help the team with mechanics, so it is amazing to see God using this truck in a junk yard in Honduras to give me some experience.

2007-06-03T19:00:00.000-07:00

We are going where??
In Northern Kenya, East Africa is a Desert called the Chalbi. We will be (God Willing) working with a people group which is over 99% unreached for Jesus Christ. We will be going with A.I.M. (Africa Inland Mission) in a program called T.I.M.O. (Training in Ministry Outreach) pronounced Teamo. We will be learning while also ministering concurrently there.
website for AIM Timo is http://www.timo-aim.com