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!!!
# posted by Kirsten's Updates about the H.C.C. in Kenya @ 11:24 AM 
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Thanks for sharing your blog...I'll add it to my favorites! I'll be sending prayers and positive thoughts to the children of Kenya!! You're doing amazing work! I loved the Christmas cards-beautiful!
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