Projects update

First I wanted to let you know that the blessing we received was seen as a privilege and was a traditional blessing. It was nothing out of the ordinary, well for us Americans having someone spit on you would probably be out of the ordinary - but here hapana (no). Everyone told us how special it was and how wonderful it was that we received it. So that's how I have to remember it!

Construction is going strong; they are getting all the forms on and ready to pour the second floor on Friday. Chuck’s been working closely with Mutuku (the engineer) getting the construction on schedule, figuring out the water situation and other various issues. Please pray for guidance and focus on this and the other projects going.

Speaking of other projects, we went to Mercy today to check on the choo (latrine) situation. It’s not a pretty site, let me tell you. The bottom of the latrine is wood, and it has begun to rot. We don’t want to take a chance on any one being in there when it finally breaks through. That is why this is a top priority at Mercy right now. The plan is to put six latrines on a strengthened platform. Plus they have an original latrine, no longer in use, that will be fixed up so that Annastacia and any other adult can use it. We all know how kids are with bathrooms! We also had a stack of firewood delivered to Mercy. They had food but no way to cook it! Now the firewood should last for at least a couple of months and building a storage shed for the wood is in order too before the rains come in October. We also took with us ink pens, pencils, rulers, flip-flops and a soccer ball. The kids were so excited to see the items. It’s hard to imagine being so excited about these small items, but these children have never been given anything. So now they see that someone recognizes that they are a person with feelings, needs and wants. They are also feeling very well now that they’ve gotten medical attention and are taking all their medications. Praise God for His mercy on them and healing them easily and quickly. It just took a little time (and money of course) to check the children and get them healthy. We’ve been looking into options for the girl who has elephantitis, but thus far have come up with no plausible options. Please pray for the health of these children and the children at Nice View and Eldama Ravine.

I thought these kids were cute, walking and talking like great friends. The other photo is of the kitchen at Mercy and a few of the girls just hanging out.

My plea for funds will continue as they are needed to begin and complete projects here in Kenya. As we all know it takes cash to do these projects and your support has been wonderful and we thank you. Please know that we will bring these issues to you and keep you updated on what is happening. It's important for you to know what your funds are doing and how they are helping the watoto (children) of Kenya.