OUR KIDS

2011-01-05T01:51:00.000-08:00

JOHN, who was four when we moved to Kenya, now lives in Zebulon, NC, avoiding deer rather than the buffalo he and his high school friends encountered while trekking the forests around RVA (Rift Valley Academy). John uses his creative skills in home building and remodeling - but he currently is hunting for what he calls a "regular job" to pay the bills as he returns to school (Fall '11) for a degree in Construction Management Technology. We didn't know that his first "toy" tool kit was a preparation for his future, but he gave insight into his "dreams" when his only request when we moved to Kenya was that his Tonka construction trucks make the trip!

His African background is still very evident - he really prefers being outside with nature and the critters (including dogs, turtles, snakes or any in need of rescuing) which thankfully the special woman in his life, Melanie, appreciates! Melanie is in the process of beginning a degree in Office Administration.

Kenyan born JENNIFER insisted on beginning school at age two, but her first school was more than a little unique. We lived in Mombasa and the school was located on the Indian Ocean -definitely no need for a sand box at this preschool. Jennifer, a graduate of Mount Olive College, began planning all the family's birthday parties at age three, now works as the Assistant Director of the CALS Alumni and Friends Society at North Carolina State University, which includes planning their special events!

Jennifer and her husband, Aaron Bernabi, live in Raleigh, NC. Aaron, an avid golfer, works in the banking industry. His and Jenny's greatest joy is parenting Isabella Ava (born April 24, 2009). Bella, who began day-care last year, loves being with other kids as much as her Mom did as a toddler.

JESSIE, who is also very proud of being Kenyan born, chose English Literature as her major at Wake Forest University (2009), a perfect choice for this kid whose favorite way to play with her dolls as a toddler was to "read" to them - before she could read or had mastered talking! She also could do a great mimic of hippos, the animals she saw weekly at the Nakuru Game Park (near our home), long before she began talking for herself rather than relying on her older siblings!

Jessie is now employed part-time at the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Library where she is working towards her MA in Christian Education and Counseling. She is currently living in Raleigh with two of her best friends from WFU. Her goal is to work in a country that sells STONEY, a ginger soda available in Kenya which she has only found in the States at the Atlanta Coke Museum!

Our Family

OUR KIDS