Wednesday was another full and enriching day of being in service to the community here. Our day started with school devotions at BLISS and were greeted by many warm smiles and familiar faces. Our devotions were led by Taylor Erhardt and Pastor Nancy with singing by the Mission Team and Kenyan students as well. They have many strong voices. Our devotions were concluded by distributing backpacks to the 160 new Form I (freshman) at BLISS. This the first year of 3 sections of first year students. There were 400 requests to attend BLISS this year. The enrollment is now an amazing 480.
About 10 of our team went to the Kithoka Amani Children's Home for a day of service, by working in their shamba (garden) by building some raised beds for vegetables. Dr Karambu is the founder and director of this amazing facility that provides a home to children that have been abandoned, neglected or at risk. Her goal is to make the home sustainable without dependence on external resources and hopes to achieve 90% this year. There are 31 children that make their home there. Dr Karambu gave a tour of the facilities to the full team and an overview of all the different ministries she directs, focusing on peace and justice issues for women and children.
Others continued working with children at Gichunge Primary School and interacting with the teachers. They now have electricity at school! The lights went on yesterday after a multiyear journey to implement it by another group. This opens many opportunities.
The Feeding Program for the the 2 primary schools is moving forward and feeding about 700 children 6 days a week. Their corn crop is in poor shape due the bad timing of the rains. As a result, they will not be able to produce their own corn for the coming year and will depend on us to provide the food materials. This is a disappointing setback but in time will become sustainable through new approaches.
Activities in science and agriculture continued at BLISS today.
It's clear that our relationship has matured with the community by the friendly and comfortable interpersonal interactions. We feel quite blessed to spend time with our partners here. There are many challenges to move forward, but have built some resilience by working together.
For everyone here,
Gary
photo by John Kline: Mission Team at nearby project of the Amani Children's Home.
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