Saturday, January 19, 2008
Update on HCC and the Town of Malindi
Bishop Mambo and Dr. Jeremy have both let me know that Malindi continues to be safe from the violence that has rocked so much of the rest of Kenya, although food and fuel are expensive and this has impacted everyone, including the orphans. Internet access and speed, as well as telephone connections have also been difficult the past few weeks. Mombasa, which is about 70 miles south of Malindi and also on the coast, has had unrest and violence. The HCC school re-opened earlier this week and hopefully with its opening there is some sense of normalcy. The ongoing political and tribal struggles are a concern for the whole of the country, and Malindi's economy is particularly vulnerable and tourist-centered, so the conflict is felt everywhere and the longer it goes on the deeper the economic impact for everyday Kenyans.
On a happy note, the HCC residential orphans actually had two celebrations recently, one on Christmas and one on New Year's Day. Both celebrations were a result of our donors' generosity. For Christmas dinner the children had a meal of pishori rice with chicken, fruit salad, eggs, biscuits, sweets, and fruit juice. They also had a special breakfast of tea and chapatis. The orphans received new clothes and took a walk on the beach with Zablon. (Malindi is a coastal town but the beach isn't close to the HCC residence, so this was quite a treat.) For the New Year's Day party the children had goat pilau, which is a favorite of the Kenyans (and me!) With so much turmoil that has happened in the country since that time, it pleases me to think the children have had these happier moments.
Dr. Jeremy has informed me that he is stepping away from caring for the orphans, with the exception of Rose, because he has to resume his studies and will not have the time. Bishop Mambo and Dr. Jeremy are working together to find a replacement for Dr. Jeremy's care. It may be that Dr. Lughanje (who worked with the children last summer during my visit) or Bishop Mambo's nephew, who has just graduated from medical school, will continue with the children. Some of the funds that I sent to them earlier this month had to be used for food for the orphans. Jim just sent some food funds yesterday, so hopefully some of his funds will be able to replace the medical funds that I sent that had to be diverted to buy food. However, it does not appear that the money that I sent in early January will be enough to pay for medical care for as long as I had hoped. How long the funds will last will depend in part on the overall health of the children and if there are any emergencies. Of particular importance is maintance of medication for the two epileptic children, as well as other kids with chronic conditions. Bishop Mambo will keep me well-informed, I'm sure.
On a happy note, the HCC residential orphans actually had two celebrations recently, one on Christmas and one on New Year's Day. Both celebrations were a result of our donors' generosity. For Christmas dinner the children had a meal of pishori rice with chicken, fruit salad, eggs, biscuits, sweets, and fruit juice. They also had a special breakfast of tea and chapatis. The orphans received new clothes and took a walk on the beach with Zablon. (Malindi is a coastal town but the beach isn't close to the HCC residence, so this was quite a treat.) For the New Year's Day party the children had goat pilau, which is a favorite of the Kenyans (and me!) With so much turmoil that has happened in the country since that time, it pleases me to think the children have had these happier moments.
Dr. Jeremy has informed me that he is stepping away from caring for the orphans, with the exception of Rose, because he has to resume his studies and will not have the time. Bishop Mambo and Dr. Jeremy are working together to find a replacement for Dr. Jeremy's care. It may be that Dr. Lughanje (who worked with the children last summer during my visit) or Bishop Mambo's nephew, who has just graduated from medical school, will continue with the children. Some of the funds that I sent to them earlier this month had to be used for food for the orphans. Jim just sent some food funds yesterday, so hopefully some of his funds will be able to replace the medical funds that I sent that had to be diverted to buy food. However, it does not appear that the money that I sent in early January will be enough to pay for medical care for as long as I had hoped. How long the funds will last will depend in part on the overall health of the children and if there are any emergencies. Of particular importance is maintance of medication for the two epileptic children, as well as other kids with chronic conditions. Bishop Mambo will keep me well-informed, I'm sure.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Funds Sent Despite Kenya's Crisis
The news from Kenya this past week is terribly tragic and I see places in the news that I have been to in flames with mobs in the streets. As many of you know the election that was held last week is currently disputed and the country is in turmoil. I am worried about my friends and colleagues. Desperate people do desperate things and certainly my three visits to Kenya have taught me that there is much desperation, poverty and anger there. The government has been corrupt and there are tribal issues and cronyism. It is a dangerous place and ripe for the kind of eruption of violence that we are now seeing. Tomorrow there a big demonstration is planned by the opposition and hopefully that will not erupt into all out civil war. Unfortunately, there has been some talk of that in the news.
Dr. Jeremy has written me expressing his concern for the orphans' safety and possible food shortages, but he says that there has not been any violence in Malindi and that all is calm in that area. He expressed concern that medicine and food should be stockpiled in case the situation becomes even more out of control. I pray that this is not necessary and that peace will return soon. Today I sent the last of the money that I raised in 2007 from the sale of holiday cards and donations. While I had hoped to send the $600 I had remaining from this last fundraising effort in two chunks spaced three months apart, I decided that if things do get bad for the Malindi area, it is better for them to have access to the money now so they can plan for the worst. I sent $300 to Dr. Jeremy and $300 to Bishop Mambo. I have told them that the money is earmarked for the orphans' medical expenses, but that if they need to spend it on food for the children, then to do so. Children are so often the innocent victims of the madness of warring adults.
I have not heard from Bishop Mambo about how the HCC Christmas party for the orphans went or their receipt of T-shirts, but the presidential election was just after Christmas and things have been very dicey in Kenya since. Hopefully I will hear an update from him very soon.
Please hold the HCC orphans and all of Kenya in your prayers. This is a difficult time for them and they need our friendship and encouragement to find their way through the challenges of standing up for democracy (as do we!)
On a happier note, little Rose Chengo, who has been trying to get stronger so that she can have her surgery has gained some weight because an Italian donor bought her special food supplements, milk and eggs so she has been eating better. Dr. Jeremy will be re-evaluating her for surgery soon (depending, of course, on the state of the country.) I have not heard back from Bishop Mambo about how the HCC Christmas party for the orphans went but the election was just after Christmas and things in Kenya have been very difficult.
Thanks very much to everyone who bought the orphans' holiday cards and sent donations in 2007!!! You have made a big difference in the children's lives!!!
