Update

I have some good news to report. Maybe you remember in a couple of my updates, I asked for prayer about packets that were mailed out with information of sponsoring a child through Operation Give Hope. Those prayers were heard. Many people responded! A generous amount of extra funding came in for the children. Thank you for the prayers!!!

There is a water project I’m working on currently, as I mentioned in the last update. A community about an hour and a half from where I stay is in desperate need for clean water. The water they use is very unsanitary. Rotary clubs are in discussion and have taken an interest in helping to drill a borehole for this area. They brought up the issue of long-term contact and community involvement. Thankfully, I had the opportunity to speak with someone that has much experience in this sort of endeavor. He has given me the steps and connections to move forward. Here’s a short briefing on what I’ve learned: I will need to involve Kenya Water for Health Organization (KWAHO-- http://www.kwaho.org/), the village pastor, and chief to start developing an action plan. The goal will be for the chief to set up a community meeting, called a baraza. The pastor & the chief informing the individuals of the water project and how they can be a part. KWAHO would introduce aspects of sanitation and hygiene. During the baraza, the community would select individuals to be on a committee. The committee would manage and operate the borehole long-term and be the voice of the people. They would be trained by professionals about group dynamics such as leadership, conflict management, basic bookkeeping, their responsibilities, and roles. These efforts are in hopes, and prayers that the funding comes through for this borehole. I believe it can happen ~ God does amazing things! Please pray with me for this community, for these steps, for funding, and for a passion from all individuals involved.

Another amazing set-up, that I believe God provided through people here in Kenya and help from back home… We’ve been seeking ways to put this together a custom designed website for Operation Give Hope. After speaking with the person who made our database system, he came up with a good solution. I could design a template in photoshop, put together content, pictures, video clips, etc. Then I give him the info, he and a friend produce it into a website and host it. Within a week or two this will be up and running!

Next week Friday, a medical team of doctors, nurses, EMT’s a dentist and other volunteers will be arriving. They will be going to three centers, giving each child a through medical exam. The blessing this will bring to the children is incredible. Community members will also have an opportunity to see the doctors. I’m anticipating their arrival!

God Bless you! Thank you for all the support, prayers and thoughts.
Love,
Kristen