Harris Family Update

17Sep

- September 2026 -

So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

~Matthew 6:34~

I am so thankful for all of you. I have been so blessed by all of your concern and your prayers. The prayer has given me strength, and joy, and peace, while Apiyo and I have been separated from the family for these past three months.

As you probably remember, Apiyo and I have been in Nairobi waiting for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to schedule her citizenship interview so we can get her a visa and join our family in the US. USCIS had already granted that appointment and canceled it three separate times before informing us that some of the Ugandan authorities had made mistakes on her paperwork that needed correction. We submitted the corrections to USCIS on July 30th and have been patiently waiting for their response. Unfortunately, we have not heard any news from USCIS, and we are still waiting.

This whole time, Noelle has been taking care of the other four children in the US while pregnant, and because of past complications, she is scheduled to give birth Via C-Section next week on the 23rd. I am unwilling to miss my daughter’s birth and to have Noelle go through surgery without my help, so we have decided that I will fly back by myself to be with her this weekend. I will go with a one-way ticket so that I can fly back at any point in case Apiyo gets her appointment and is able to leave. If nothing comes up, I will fly back to Nairobi to be with Apiyo in three weeks. Noelle and I are especially blessed that we will be together on September 28th when we will celebrate being married for 13 years.

During this time, Apiyo will be staying with two families that we met here in Kenya at Calvary Chapel Gulu. Apiyo will start by staying with Sam and Kieya and their wonderful daughter Keena for two nights. Next, she will stay with Aaron and Damaris Strohbach, who run a great ministry that impacts many countries. Their family has three daughters who have become good friends with Apiyo. Apiyo is so excited to stay with them all. She has been counting down the days and has even asked me to stay in America longer so she can get more time with her friends.

We do not know when God will bring this trying season to a close, but we have truly seen His faithfulness and sovereign hand over every part of it. God has blessed us with growth and opportunities that we would never have found if He had not forced us to.

This month, please join us in prayer:

For the birth of our daughter, Caroline Faith Harris, which is scheduled to take place via C-Section on September 23rd. Noelle is required to give birth that way because of the complications she experienced at Noah’s birth eight years ago.

That God would bless the new pastors and church leaders who are joining our Bible college this month with an understanding of His Word and a deep relationship with Him.

That God would continue to bless the fundraising efforts for our new school chapel.

May God richly bless you,

In Christ,

Matt, Noelle, Apiyo, Emma, Madeline, Noah, Charlotte, & Caryline