Lots of information and pictures

I forgot to tell you that yesterday I was invited into the “Fanaka” group! For those of you who don’t know Kiswahili that’s Blessed group. Pauline meets once a month with a group of ten women who read scripture, pray for one another, talk and encourage each other. I didn’t stay for this meeting since they were all speaking Kiswahili. But when I returned I took a picture of everyone (with the tripod to include Pauline!) and printed a copy off for each one before they left. They were like little kids getting a present! Gideon said they don’t see that type of technology and are used to waiting days for a picture. It’s fun to watch the kids and the adults alike. When we went to Machakos the other day, Michael drove us there since Gideon’s car isn’t trustworthy enough to get us there and back, and over lunch Chuck was explaining how bar coding worked in the United States. I told Chuck later that Michael was so enthralled with that technology, it’s like you are introducing a brand new concept to people. It’s very exciting with the children to see their minds expand and watch them wonder how these things can be done. That’s why the library is so important and getting these kids better educated with better materials for the teachers. God has given these children a unique opportunity to understand poverty yet know that they have hope beyond what this world can offer. We are encouraging them that they can become the next generation of leaders in Kenya and make a difference in another child’s life.

While Pauline was having her Fanaka meeting I went with Chuck and Gideon to meet the owner of the bore hole where we get water from for the school. He is a great man, Simon, and he is in the progress of increasing the production of water to better facility the expanding school and into the future of the school. It’s been wonderful to see these kids going to the faucet, turn it on and get a fresh cup of water to drink. Bwana asifiwe (Praise God)!

Now for some events I’ve talked about before but with pictures! The first one is when we handed out t-shirts. It was fun watching the little ones trying to get their shirts on! The next two pictures are visiting day. This happens every Saturday, parents, guardians, grandparents or whoever is responsible for the child comes to the Academy to visit the children who stay at the school. Not everyone gets a visitor, but each family that comes with food and treats never hesitates to involve another child who has no one. The next two pictures are when we handed out the Bibles. I love the student on the right already reading it! And the other one is of the teachers with their Bibles. Then we have Chuck’s attempt to hand out candy on his own! He got mobbed and you can see the little ones getting squished and the older kids got more than one piece! But Teacher Jane who came and created order out of the riot saved him! From now on he will get a teacher, Ruth or Gideon to control the mob before handing out anything!
I’ve begun my day at the school in a blessed way! I had to deliver some cooking oil to the kitchen and the nursery student’s classroom is next to the kitchen. When I walked by I had to peek my head in and say “Sasa”, that’s hi, how’s it going? etc. to the younger generation and they replied “fete” meaning we are fine, things are good, etc. Then I got to give out many hugs and kisses to them! What a great way to start a school day! Here’s the Nursery class getting their toothbrushes. As a matter of fact, when I visited the classroom the two who were absent wanted their toothbrushes! So they came back to the office with me (along with some tag-alongs to see what was happening) and received their toothbrush!

The construction for the first floor is in full force. I’m not going to put any pictures of that part because you really need to see it on video. The men will fill buckets with stone and sand, run to the cement mixer, throw it in and then run back to fill up again. The when it is mixed they pour it out where two more men fill two buckets (pretty large ones) and hook it to a winch that takes it to the first floor. It is amazing compared to the construction in the States. After seeing this video I don’t think many construction people will have much to complain about!!

Just about every day someone comes to the school to talk to Gideon about their grandchild, child or a child they are taking care of. They want them to come to the school and many of them cannot pay the fees, so they are asking for assistance. The Academy is full right now but people are seeing the new building and assuming we can fit the children in. We’ve also had many parents come in seeking employment. Again they assume that since the building is going up we need people. We are telling them that after the building is done then we will need people to work, but they will have to wait until that time. It’s heartbreaking because many of the parents and guardians really want to contribute something to their child’s education and by working and helping at the school they are doing that. Many of them see the importance of an education to raise the standard of living, that’s why they want the children to be brought into the school, with or without fees available for them to pay. I told Chuck that I would rather see the children here and in school than running the streets and getting into trouble, but that requires money – that’s where all of you come in! I’m getting all the pictures of the children individually so we can let you know who needs a sponsor for fees, clothing, etc.

Here’s another difference for you. I went with Ruth to the doctors for her second injection out of three for Malaria. While we were there the doctor told her that one of our teachers tested positive for pneumonia and gave Ruth the pills to give to the teacher! Apparently no HIPPA here!

Again I ask for everyones prayers for the continuing safety of the construction crew, staff and students of Nice View Academy.