Vutsiki Mwane!

Vutsiki mwane (Mbunda for "Good Evening")! It's evening out here, & I'm writing to you all by candlelight (it's kinda neat watching the occasional moth go straight into the flame) as cricket-like creatures & bats make their noises outside in the relatively quiet night.

I just finished my 2nd week of call; it's nice to know I'll be allowed to sleep through the night. I'm not yet sure if I'll take nother week of call before I leave.

Loma Linda seniors: can you believe that we're graduating in a month??!!!! How're all of you're residency preparations (moving, etc.) coming along? Match Day surely was a emotion-packed day, wasn't it? I praise God that He's put each of you (& your spouses & kids, if applicable) in exactly where He wants you for the next few years. How surprised I was to open my match-envelope & find out that I'm staying @ Loma Linda U for the next 4 years! I really needed that time of prayer & meditation before opening the envelope. The Lord seems to be giving me additional opportunity to spend time with friends & family, which in some ways was actually quite a relief! Kushangazala Njambi ("Praise the Lord")!

It's only been 2 days since I wrote the last email to you guys, & I can't think of any more stories to share with you, so if you don't mind, I'd like to share some prayer requests for the remainder (3 wks) of my stay here:
- health, which right now means complete recovery from a minor viral illness (only symptom now is sore throat), & also protection from tuberculosis & malaria (I'm actually a little concerned with the TB since so many of our patients have it).
- humility & a heart of service toward both my patients & my coworkers
- focus! being ready to share the Gospel with each opportunity, as patients are open to it
- preparedness in taking part in different ministries: I'm leading our households' Men's Bible study group this Thu. evening on Isaiah 36-39, sharing my testimony (how Jesus became a personal part of my life) next Sunday evening, & speaking on I Peter 1:22-2:3 the following Sunday evening.
- rel'ps with the neighborhood boys ("boys in the 'hood," I guess you could say). I think I've shared before that I regularly play games/sports with these elementary & junior high aged boys. It's kinda fun, really, for a few reasons: there aren't any single guys my age out here (I miss you guys back home!), I need the exercise (badly), & it gives me a kick to watch kids play. This Thu. afternoon we're planning to go to the area behind the hospital (for patients & their families) again to play group games with the children (some are prob'ly my age!). Last time was great fun, & I even got to share a Bible story with the small crowd, translated by my "Boyz in the Hood." Pls. pray that in our time together I'd be able to talk with these boys abt. selfishness & service, which God seems to be reminding me abt. in my life, too.

Thank you so much for your prayers. Pls. let me know how I may pray for you.

Good night,
Sidney

Dad: It was nice to hear/read the details of your Taiwan trip; I'm glad it seemed to be a very good & meaningful one. Did you hear anything abt. the Hsu/Kho family (my host parents) in Tainan? Thank you for your prayers; I'm praying for you & Mom, too. I just read abt. Grandma & will be praying abt that situation. I've already talked to Mom abt paying my Citibank bill, but only paying the minimum for the Discover since I have a special rate on it. Wish I could join family in Sacramento. Believe it or not, the mosquito bites I'm getting here are not as bad as those I get in Taiwan. It's just that the mosquitoes here carry malaria! I'll see you & Mom soon, @ 11AM May 20 Santa Ana, as scheduled. I'll be sure to call you when I get to Eric & Ruth's place, though. Love you!

Dr. Elder: glad to read you got the album, & that your family was able to see it. Isn't it neat that God's letting me stay @ LLU for another season? I trust He has a lot in store for me here (well..... there). BTW, did you get the "African Biology Trivia Question" abt mosquitoes from the last email right?

Frank: Ding-dong, Ding-dong! How're the preparations coming? The bells are so fast approaching, I can even hear them from 10,000 miles away! Glad I'll be around to see it happen. How was Luther's, by the way?

Houston relatives: When will I hear the wedding bells from there? Say 'hi' to Kelly's friend for me. =)

Matt: how're the moving arrangements coming along? Did Dr. F replu to your letter? Excited abt. graduation? I just can't believe it's actually happening....

Kelly Yung: thanks for passing along that recollection from Taiwan! Wow-- I'm so glad God is not easily discouraged (as you said), & was (& is) persistent also with me. Don't forget to send a photo of yourself to Dr. Elder!

EFC: Just a few reminders: Pls. let me know details as you know them abt. Mexico Missions. Not sure yet, but I may be able to go. Dr. Doughten: are you going? Any medical aspect to it? Also, this upcoming Sunday is the last of the month. If you're able, pls. visit the convalescent home from 3:45-5:00pm. Maybe you can sing some Easter-theme songs, maybe "Because He Lives," or "Blessed Assurrance"? I'm praying for you guys re: finding a pastor for the English-speaking fellowship. May God cause us to grow through this experience.

Anneta: Again, thanks for the cont'd prayers!!! Throught it was funny abt. the disappointing McDonald's breakfast (think I've had the same experience). Wish I could go river-rafting with you & Johnny (have fun & pls. be careful!); @ that time I'll be visiting Victoria Falls (one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World - I think the Grand Canyon is one of them, too), & maybe doing a day-safari. Wish you & the other guys could see it, too. Please say hi to your Grandpa for me. Hope the Easter celebrations continue to go well. Been praying for you. Glad to hear that it was helpful talking to Dr. Elder. Guess what?.... not much longer & you'll no longer be a 1st-year teacher!! Yahoo!!! Praise the Lord!!!