Returning from Kenya

I am returning from Kenya after being there for the last 3 weeks. Traveling with me this trip were Gary and Cris Willis and Kalinda Kundomal, an intern from Emory. She is in the public health master's program.

Kalinda with Rendille children

Cris has been to Kenya with me and supports the work of the PFC team. She wanted to show her husband Gary the ministry. She hoped he would feel the same way about the people in Kenya that she does. It was such a blessing to watch Cris share her passion with Gary and to watch him grow to share the same passion. They have already set the date for their return trip.

Gary with Rendille children

Cris with Rendille children

Kalinda was so much help. I can't imagine going without her next time. She never stopped working while she was there! Not only is she fun and easy to be with, she loves the Lord and has a great servant heart. She helped design the water pack back project and did an excellent job. She has a specialty in parasites and is going to research the jigger parasite for us and evaluate how we are treating and preventing jiggers in Marsabit. She is considering doing her thesis either with the water pack project or on jiggers. I am very grateful to her for ALL her work and help!

And, Liz Blake, VP, Habitat for Humanity and her adult son Addison joined us for part of the trip. Liz is the person responsible for the water pack project. (See previous update about this life-changing project.)

Addison, Liz and little John

This trip:

1. We traveled twice to Marsabit on the missionary flight to implement the water back pack project.
   
   

   

   Team flying on the missionary flight to Marsabit

2. Made a transition of staff at the medical clinic. Dr. Vincent has resigned as he told us he is returning to school so he can advance his medical degree. Mary, a public health nurse, is covering the clinic. She will be arranging for a doctor to provide her coverage and consultation as she needs. Mary has been working in the clinic since June and knows how to use mHealth. She will use mHealth to consult with her consulting doctor.
3. Opened our second what if? Life Changing Center in Marsabit. (See previous update.)
4. We started a bead project for the Rendile women. 87 women are now organized in groups making medallions from beads that will be sent to Linda (our board member in Michigan) for bags, etc. This project was Linda's and Pastor Hirbo's idea. This is the first time any form of commerce has been introduced in Parkishon. Watching these women sitting in groups making beads was quite an experience! They even have two shifts. A simple project that is making a big difference in the lives of these women.
   
   

   

   Rendille women making medallions

5. Thanks to a recent donation we were able to purchase a motorbike for use by team members in Nairobi and bicycles for several staff. Most of our staff walk so the bikes help expand their ministry reach.
6. Held a two-day leaders meeting with the leaders of each of the five ministries of PFC. Each ministry has set goals for the next year. I will send an update later about their plans.
7. Carried 6 computers for the IT school that were donated to us from a computer school. They are very good computers for the IT students.
   
   

   

   ITT Technical team who donated computers

8. Reviewed the progress of the mHealth program. While there are some technical changes we need to make, the program is working well. The people of Maururi Slum appreciate knowing they can receive medical help by just making a phone call. Over 600 patients have been seen through mHealth.
9. Rented additional space for the 2nd Chance school which will double the number of students they can serve - 40 students. This program is making such a difference for so many people - including 6 of our own staff.
10. Distributed the first crop from our Hope Farm in MaiMahui - 300 kg of beans. We ate the beans for for several meals and they are very good! It is wonderful to know PFC is playing a part in helping people become food secure.
11. Hosted a friendly match between the what if? soccer team from Maururi with the what if? soccer team in MaiMahui. It was great to see so many boys organized in soccer teams.
12. Hired someone to direct the HIV/AIDS prevention program. I will make an official announcement later about who this person is. But, I can tell you we are very excited about this person joining Partners for Care. Great things have happened with this ministry and God has even greater plans as PFC expands this ministry!

None of these things could have happened without the financial support received by many people. And, none of the work would happen without the Kenyan team who everyday serve the people of Kenya...changing lives.

Blessed to know those who give and those who do the work,
Connie

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