Changes on the ground!

Changing lives, transforming a village. I came on this trip with great anticipation about what I would find. The Partners for Care team had done an excellent job of keeping me informed of their work but the reports could not adequately tell the real story. That is why sometimes you must go to the ground to see for yourself. The changes are everywhere. All the equipping, empowering, encouraging and teaching has brought great rewards. Sammy leads in a way that would make John Maxwell proud. Sam has passion, energy, commitment and drive that challenges others to join in the work. George has many youth from the slums in this village calling him "coach". He told me today people were asking "what about the girls tram" as he had started two boys what if? football teams. So George is starting a what if? girls football team and a what if? girls volleyball team. It is fun to be walking in the village and see boys in what if? shirts heading for practice.

The 56 boys on the two what if? football teams are from many different primary and secondary schools. The PFC staff are planning on creating what if? schools in as many of these schools as they can. Each boy took back a what each if? bracelet for their principles. Remember the what if? Intiative is all about giving the message of living pure for Christ and stopping HIV/AIDS.

The what if? Life Changing Center is so busy! Today when I was there all the computers in the IT classroom were full with one computer hosting two students. Students are taking music lessons from David and Franko. And, we have a new program called Second Chance. It is for those who want to study and receive their secondary degree (high school).

And, we have 100 baby chickens and 8 big chickens that lay eggs and 40 rabbits at our house. Sammy is demonstrating substanability with these projects. And, our backyard is a small farm now...the team is figuring out ways to feed themselves!

Farming project

Poultry and rabbits project

It is an understatement to say how proud I am of the PFC staff! They are working long hours, holding planning meeting and are all engaged in the work. it is a joy to watch.

Thank you al for supporting the team,

Connie

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PFC Announces new ministry

We are very excited to announce a new program - Kathi's House of Restoration. Named for David Gruber's wife this House will serve children orphaned by HIV/AIDS by helping keep them in a family setting. We have studied other programs for example Life for Children Ministry in Kenya run by Michael Agwanda and visited a program like this in South Africa. With proper safeguards children can safely be cared for in home settings with extended family members.

You can see a video of the property we are looking to purchase in Mai Mahui on our website www.partnersforcare.org. The program will be overseen by the Partners for Care Kenya team and by a Kenya pastor. In working with Kenya government officials and the children officers we have learned there is a strong desire in Kenya to have their children stay in home settings. We will work closely with experts in Kenya as we move forward with Kathi's House of Restoration.

I travel to kenya Jan. 24 and we hope to purchase the property at that time. We welcome anyone who wants to be involved in this new ministry of Partners for Care.

Praying for all those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS,

Connie
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