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

News is slow from Kenya, and their sense of time is different from that of Americans. I finally have some photos from Sophie of the new buildings and the children at their desks with their new uniforms! You will also see a photo of Zablon with the new well, which is a major improvement. It is a real challenge to get photos from Kenya because they do not have digital cameras and so photos must be taken the old fashioned way and be scanned to send to me. This costs money and time, both of which are in short supply for the HCC Board. The buildings were completed with the help of an Italian agency and while that relationship has not been completely smooth, at least I am grateful to see the children at their desks, something they have not had until now.

I sent $580 to Zablon for the HCC to use to complete the toilets and get a kitchen installed at the new site, but I have not heard what exactly the funds were used for nor have I seen receipts or accounting. This is always a frustratingly slow process. I plan to return to Kenya in June and after working at Kenyatta University for two weeks in Nairobi, I will then visit the Happy Children's Centre in Malindi and get a closer look at the building and see the children once again. I am very eagerly anticipating the trip and will post a report when I return. I will be bringing funds with me at that time. These funds were raised at a birthday party of my cousin, who has been a wonderful supporter, and at a photo exhibit for World AIDS Orphans' Day (May 7). I also hope to once again do art with the children and tell them in person just how far their art has reached. The photo exhibit was very well received and their bright smiles and art work was much admired by all who saw them.