Thursday's Update

Hello once again. We have had a short week due to a planned school holiday. A big improvement over emergency school closure! The kids are enjoying the idea of a break. The teachers are working today for their self-study for accreditation purposes. They will have their break tomorrow.

News from the mediation efforts is still a bit rocky. One day things are looking more positive, and the next their will be statements from one or both sides about their dissatisfaction with the process. Kofi Annan was quoted in the paper today saying that the talks are still progressing as needed even though “discouraging comments” may be coming out from both sides. Apparently both sides have agreed to a Prime Minister idea, but they still disagree on details.

Condeleeza Rice was in town Monday and met with Raila Odinga, President Kibaki and Kofi Annan. She also met with business leaders. She emphasized that the US did not intend to force or dictate the terms of an agreement, but that the US fully supports those Kenyans who have grown weary with this process and are ready for healing. While President Bush is on the continent traveling to development projects in Africa, he is noticeably absent from Kenya. He has toured Tanzania, Rwanda and is now in Ghana. He is headed to Liberia next. He is touring the successful efforts of US development.

Work is progressing. We have now scheduled all groups for upcoming seminars. We are looking forward to getting back on track. We are being reminded that nothing happens quickly here; just the scheduling process can be tedious at times. Horace continues to visit farmer groups in the field offering technical assistance where needed. Things seem to be progressing fairly well.

One exciting development this week was the installation of a pump in the well at ACK Thika Diocese Namrata Shah Children’s Home. This is a home for orphans that has been waiting for electricity since before we came to Kenya. The poles for it have been visible for quite some time, but they were waiting on the power company to make the final connections. They received a gift for a well a while ago, and it is intended to water their shamba (garden or small farm). Through a generous gift from Hand In Hand, a UK Christian Charity, they were able to purchase a pump to use to fill a tank for irrigation. The pump was purchased in November and has been patiently waiting in our pantry until electricity reached the children’s home. Finally, Horace had a call that electricity had been installed. Today, he traveled to Thika and installed the pump. He said the sight of the pumping water was wonderful, and it quietly and efficiently fills the tank. Now, they will be able to water a garden to be used for their own food and perhaps have extra to sell to help offset their costs.

News on the home front is mostly good. Mary Shea had her cast removed Tuesday and is looking forward to getting back to her normal busy schedule. We just have to wait for Monday, and then she is allowed normal activity. Horace will be busy working on a friend’s Eagle Project for scouts tomorrow. Our 7 week old puppies are healthy except for one which seems to have been born with a weak immune system. She has been quite miserable with several problems for about 10 days. Other than that, I am happy to report we are quietly doing well.

We are so thankful for our opportunity to be in Kenya, as our family has truly been blessed in many ways. It is not easy for us to be away from our extended family and friends in the US – especially during special times. This Saturday is one of those special times as our nephew John will be getting married in the US. Please join us in praying for the wedding festivities and the union of John and Anna. We pray that they will enjoy many happy years to come.

We pray peace will continue here in Kenya, and we praise God that we have so many supporting us and this country in prayer.

Have a blessed weekend!

Anne