Kirsten's Updates about the H.C.C. in Kenya

Right after the first of this year Jim went on a surprise visit to Kenya to check on progress at the Happy Children's Centre. The great news is that he found much has been done on the buildings and toilets and the building project is slated to be completed by April. The steady progress has been made possible by an Italian builder and his donors who have been there supervising the work. Until the Italians are finished with the project, we will not be putting more funds into the buildings since our communication is limited with them (we don't speak Italian) and we don't want to confuse matters. I wish I had some photos of the new buildings, but unfortunately Jim's camera was lost or stolen the last day he was there and I haven't yet received a photo from Sophie.

Jim spent quite a bit of time working with Bishop Daniel and Rev. Zablon to set up a new organizational system which will give Zablon more support and help with some of the tough choices that have to be made. While Zablon has done an amazing job and been an inspirational leader, it is clear that he needs administrative help and a better system by which to prioritize and make decisions. Jim tells me that Bishop Daniel is someone that will help to balance some of Zablon's shortcomings and along with other community members help develop a better system of policies and procedures for the day-to-day running of the orphanage and school.

While Jim was there he watched Sophie show the children a book I had sent on Oregon with beautiful photos and read to them. We both agree that Sophie has been a wonderful model for the girls and a real friend to both the orphans and to us. We hope to make her visits a regular monthly activity.

I wish I could say that all the orphans are being fed and clothed better than when we were there in August, but Jim says that many are still in marginal health and that troubled him a lot. There are clearly too many orphans for the support that is being given and the donations, while very generous, have been stretched in many directions. Also, it may be that our involvement and that of the Italians has had the effect of dampening the investment of the community. Unfortunately this is a common problem in Kenya and further points to the need for a better local organizational system of support.

Finally, Jim made a point to tell Zablon that he could expect me or Jim to arrive any time, unannounced. I have no immediate plans to go, but if God wills it and the "creek don't rise" I will try to go again this summer.