LiterallyLibby: Prime Ministers, sponsor children, and dancing

Compiled with Denise, Heather, Alana, Bea, Charlie, and Libby

Canadian and Kenyan flag at Kimwe

We went to Kiguwru agricultural farm and they talked about. They met with 20 local farmers who shared how MCOH assistance has improved their lives with education on more drought resistance crops. They were telling us about the maringa trees that are a miracle tree because it’s so high in vitamins and protein and is drought resistant. Having the water in the tank for irrigation and drinking allowed the families to have more time, kids were healthier, and families were happier. Bea recalls seeing women washing clothes in the water. The farm was amazing. It was a paradise. One of our more daring team members tried the ‘Kate’ which is a drug that’s illegal for women, so the dare was on. Apparently though you need 15 twigs to get the effects and she who will not be named only chewed on one.

Rabbits (dinner) at Kimwe School

After the farm we went to the Kiguwru school. People were pleased to see a Canada flag in the window. It was astounding to see that 600 students were supposed to fit in the school and the primary school walls were made of sheet metal. The school has so many children because MCOH (Mikinduri Children of Hope) provides a feeding program. There’s also a water well to provide drinking water for the children.

Children at Kimwe

Around lunch, we drove to Kimwe feeding center, MCOH’s first feeding project. They met us at the road singing and enveloped us into their group. They did skits, songs, poems, and dances and entertained us all afternoon. Some of the poems were about AIDS and how to respect the environment. There was even interactive dancing where we taught them and they taught us some dances. We could not dance in nearly as many directions at the same time that they could. They were amazing and their singing was beautiful. They were so perfectly in time with each other but looked like they didn’t have to rehearse at all. The feeding center originally fed the children a meal 6 days a week but once MCOH partnered with Chalice, the children became sponsored so they only need a meal once a week that includes education. There is a farm onsite that the parents work out so the feeding center is actually self-sustaining with the farm.

Feeding Children at Kimwe

Before we left, we fed them rice, stew, and bananas. It was more chaotic that we fed them because they clearly had a pattern we were not used to, but it was fun.

While at Kimwe, a man we had treated in the past joined us. His name is Josephat and he had leprosy. We treated him years ago, but unfortunately his disease progressed to the point where his feet were only stumps. He has been walking around using crutches and since he was able to attend the disability clinic on Tuesday, he was fitted with better shoes that are almost prosthetics to help mobilize him more and protect his legs. It was great to see him as he is a great friend of MCOH.

We had to hurry back to our hotel because we were expecting the Prime Minister of Kenya. He is campaigning for 2012 and was making a stop in Mikinduri. Father Bernard had his church St Massimo turned completely inside out for the PM’s arrival and all of Mikinduri was there to see it. They served a meal which we were invited to as well as 200 other people. It was hot but very interesting, and unlike typical Kenyans events, the speeches were very short. The prime minister recognized the 24 white faces in the crowd and thanked us for coming to work in Mikinduri. Quite an honor to be asked for the meal and even more of an honor to be singled out.

5 of the people in our group (Grania, Charlie, Adrian, Shirley, and Virgil) went out to Tumayani to visit two sponsor children that they or friends sponsor through Chalice. They brought book bags, books, clothes, and candy for the children. One of the children was abandoned by their mother and father. The other child was diagnosed with HIV. Such sad news, but with a happy lining: Charlie recalls that while they were there, they realized the baby brother of one of the siblings was diagnosed with malaria on the spot, and he had such a high fever that the social worker immediately distributed asprin for the child until the doctor could come on Monday. It was a very sad day for news, but this baby's life was saved all because they visited that day, rather than waiting a few days.

Ruth and Libby at Kimwe. 2nd year in a row.

We spent the evening doing more sorting, dinner at NoName, and lounging in the Tusker room. Ted’s sponsor children Julius and Emilioh joined us during the evening and serenaded us with many local tunes. The twins are 14 and are hilarious! When asked if they went to see the prime minister today, these jokesters replied ‘Kenyans love themselves. I am not interested’. Today has been lots of fun but a lot of work!

Summary: Was called out by the prime minister, danced with children, and saw the sweet ones we sponsor.