More news from Kenya

I think it's really neat that many of you tell me you still read my blog. I have some really great news to share with you despite all the hardships that many parts of Kenya are facing right now. I want you to know that your contributions to our effort while I was at the orphanage has made direct impacts to the children. I received a note from the teacher at one of the schools. He writes:

"Our part of the country is safe (Machakos, Kathiani & Kaviani). Life is normal. {My comment: I felt that what we see & read about in the news is mostly happening in the larger cities like Nairobi. It is comforting to know that the community that I lived in is safe and doing OK}. Elizabeth Nduku cleared her exams and she did perform very well. Actually she scored 363 out of 500 marks and just today we've received her letter of admission to high school (She's been admitted at a Senior Provincial High School).I talked with Leah and yes, the girl is going to school. Anyway I shall keep you updated on the same. Remember Mathew Muthini? He's not performing badly , actually he topped his class at the end of the year. But he still the same fee problem and the school is threatening to send him away unless he pays his fees. Please assist this boy once more."

I know for a fact that these children continue to strive and study hard because they have the motivation. They do not take for granted that they are in school. They are proud and are trying hard. If it wasn't for YOUR assistance, these teacher's words would not have crossed my inbox this week. I'm so proud of our efforts. Even today, we see the effects it's having on the children. YOU are the one's that helped these children go to school. On behalf of them, I thank you.

On a somewhat related note, the organization that I did my volunteer work through (Global Volunteers Network -GVN) sent this note to me:

Dear Renee,

The unrest in Kenya after the 27 December presidential and parliamentary elections has had a terrible effect on Kenya's impoverished population. Thousands of homes and small businesses have been destroyed, 600 lives have been claimed already and the UN reports that some 255,000 more are believed to be displaced by the disruption.

What can you do to help?

We need your help to raise funds for supplies and other relief efforts that will be organised as the situation progresses. GVN's partner organization has planned relief efforts.

Volunteers will be dropping off food and clothing for refugees, and will also help with cooking and watching over children. But they need more funding in order to meet the needs of those they are trying to assist.

As 100% of your donation will go to our partner organization in Kenya to help with the relief efforts, every cent counts.

To donate please go to:

http://www.gvnfoundation.org/whatyoucando/donate/kenya.php

Thanks for your support!

Kind Regards Colin Salisbury GVN CEO and GVNF Chairman

Please pass my words along to others. I'd like to continue to help in this effort that we started over one year ago. I have asked Leah to send me more information about children that may need assistance for school. Please contact me if you have any ideas of how we can help or if you'd like to contribute in some way.

Namaste.

Troubles in Kenya

My heart has been so heavy this past month. It's taken much energy for me to write a blog message. It was a year ago that I was celebrating Christmas with the children. My emotions over this past month have felt bittersweet. I am absolutely happy to be back in my country. I'm happy to be with my family, my friends and my little furry friends. I'm elated that Jason has a new band and made a new album. I had a wonderful Christmas and New Year with my family and friends. But I think about the kids at Terry's Orphanage every day. I truly believe that I miss them more now than when I left Kenya. I think about all the suffering that others endure on a daily, hourly, and moment by moment basis. I'm counting the days I'll be able to return to see their bright faces (I'm hoping to return for a few weeks during our summer-maybe July or August). And if it's not enough that a developing country like Kenya has suffering, it's been exasperated by the violence from the most recent political events.

Today's news reads: January 3, 2008

"This warden message is being issued to alert American citizens in Kenya to an ongoing political rally. The rally is being organized by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and is attracting large crowds and a significant police presence in and around Uhuru Park in central Nairobi. The rally is disrupting transportation and commerce. Currently, the main thoroughfare to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is blocked and not passable. Similar rallies and other large-scale gatherings may also occur in other cities throughout Kenya."

Leah wrote me on January 2, 2008. She said, "My darling, we miss you too. Right now Kenya is at war, I have sneaked to the office to read mail, the best thing for now would be to send me a text. My number is still the same. We are all safe for now but we dont know what will happen tomorrow. I love you my darling. Leah."

And my friend Wanja wrote to me this morning, saying "Thanks renee for your concern. I am fine and safe but am worried. our country is no longer the good country.No going to downtown no nothing. banks are closed, food stores etc. soon people are going to die of hunger...sad....talk to you later. wanja"

As a memory, I'd like to show a picture of my dear friend Wanja that visited her fiance & her family (and me) in November. And a couple of other pictures to remind us all of the children in Africa.

Much love to you all.