This month has already gone so quickly and I have not managed to sent out a newsletter up til now. The one big reason was I was held up around a week ago while walking up to the main road, just a few minutes away from where I stay. I have never had a gun waved in my face, and I would not recommend it. Its a bit surreal, time slows down and you just stand there with hands waving in the air like you just dont care. It's an invasion of space, dignity and plain old robbery of my way of living. Thankfully I only had my house keys on me, so the thugs left with a bit of anger that I did not have anything as the european they thought I was. So after some counselling and time off from work, I am doing much better. Having to be home by 7 is a bit of lockdown, but then again life is worth more than a dark road with a torch bobbing up and down. I must look like a drunk firefly...
When I was here in Kibera last year I met a wonderful girl and her mother, the child who has cerebal palsy. We (Haki and you, my sponsors) managed to send Judy to have her hearing tested and finding out she was not deaf at all, this was an amazing thing that we can speak about for years to come! We are now into phase 2, which is trying to get her into a good school and to allow her mother less stress of having Judy at home. I went with her mom and the OVC head to a school about 30mins away from Kibera and it is a lovely school, great specialised workers and a hostel there too. So, if Judy's mom goes once a week to a training class on how to work with Judy, by year end she will be allowed to have Judy into the school and to stay in hostel with a home visit between terms. Judy's mother, Mama Mtundi looked so relieved after we left the meeting and if all goes well, she will be in the new school by beginning of 2014.
Another exciting thing we did in July was based around the Sharpeville attacks of July 16th. It is comemorated as Day of African Child, and its all based towards the needs, rights and love for the children. We planned a full day of events for the kids, as well as a great amount of food and t-shirts thanks to our main sponsor. We did things such as puppet shows, dance competitions, drumming entertainment and edutainment. Very rewarding seeing over 500 children!! This is an all time high for us, and it was really exciting seeing the children's excitement :) It was also a great opportunity for me to tell staff about what the original day was about.
I spent some time with Sean Callaghan about a week ago when he did he a quick stop in Nairobi. It was really awesome seeing him and spending some time with him. Amongst topics, he told me about a couple he knew who were away 6 months of the year and they would leave their house key with a friend for missionaries, volunteers, friends, family and other travelling weary people ;) They would use the house as if it was their own, and their was a piggy bank for people to put in some form of donation towards the water, power etc. So this gave me the great idea to do that here. Altho I am not planning in leaving for 6 months and let people use my/MJ place. So here is is; if you ever are in the area of Nairobi be it on business, pleasure or just a need for a place to stay for a night or two, my place is officially open to all. Even yoyur friends. Well, debrief me on them just so I know that they wont eat all my noodles and then kidnap me for R100. The great thing is that there is a full set of plates etc. as well as cutlery and cups, and gas to cook with so basically there is no reason not to come. And hey, I will be here :) The piggy bank will be somewhere for a shilling or two, but there is no pressure at all for money. Just come! And you can see Kibera, be immersed in it all. And I still do make for good company
So there it is people, my past month albeit 2 weeks late. Thank you all for your timely sponsorship, and for still remembering me up here. I always remember you all, especially the scary parts and my email door is always open :) MJ is always part of me no matter where I am, and you all are awesome!! Keep loving and laughing in the good that is around us, even tho the bad tries to munch it. I am learning more and more, God's light is way brighter than the evil that tries to bring me down.
Finally, more news to follow but a quick update - thanks to all of you I have been able to upgrade where I am staying into a liveable place for visitors. From plates to crockery to even a movie or two, (I will hopefully get a spare bed month end) - my place is your place. Come on over!! Your friends are welcome too. Grace and Peace to you all lovely people!! (I so love that blessing - may you all find God's Grace and Peace throughout this month.) As D-dawg might say....for shizzle :)
Kwaheru
Gareth the Intrepid Umzungu :)
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